tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59260522866205224812024-03-14T04:28:32.336-04:00Lockport NYMJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.comBlogger491125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-65755639602782390792012-07-05T12:46:00.001-04:002012-07-05T12:46:23.466-04:00Car Wash Approved in Town<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article932592.ece">The Buffalo News Reported</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A new car wash will be constructed on South Transit Road after
approval of a variance by the town Zoning Board of Appeals last week.
The site at 6719 S. Transit Road, owned by Craig Heidemann, is just
north of Bartz Road. The Zoning Board of Appeals passed a variance from
the rules for front and rear setbacks from the property lines</blockquote>
<br />
Why do I bring it up? Because I've always hoped for a full service Delta Sonic to find its way to Lockport. It is a local WNY business that would fit nicely in the Lockport area.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-7658647060620864432012-07-05T12:42:00.001-04:002012-07-05T12:42:26.891-04:00Refuse Savings on Track<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article935114.ece">The Buffalo News Reported</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The city has saved an estimated $380,000 on its
garbage and recycling program in the 8½ months since privatization, City
Clerk Richelle J. Pasceri told the Common Council this week.<br />
<br />
Dawn M. Timm, Niagara County's environmental
coordinator, calculated the number based on the trash pickups since
mid-October and comparison figures for October 2010 through June 2011,
when city crews still were doing the work.<br />
<br />
Modern Disposal took over last fall, and the city
established a user fee for the program, including standardized garbage
and recycling totes.<br />
<br />
Timm said Tuesday that the city has recycled about
1,400 tons of waste since privatization, versus only 354 tons in the
city-run period, when only newspaper and cardboard were collected at
curbside....</blockquote>
A good job by those who put it together or by those using it. I believe the fees are generated yearly based on cost. The more the recycled should lead to lower rates as time goes on.<br />
<br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-9815091277151596212012-06-20T12:19:00.005-04:002012-06-20T12:21:33.311-04:00LSD Closes HuntA couple years after closing Dewitt and reducing Pound to just Pre-K, the Lockport School District has decided to close Hunt. <a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1350019871/HUNT-TO-CLOSE">The LUSJ reported:</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...Board members said they did not make the decision lightly. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
”I’m
not going to sit here and pretend I can say something that will make
this any easier,” said President John Linderman. “It’s not an easy
decision for this board to come to.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
”It’s with a heavy heart I voted,” said Trustee James Gugliuzza, a Hunt alum. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Superintendent
Michelle T. Bradley said the district will move forward, deciding
whether to sell or lease the building. The roughly 250 kids who attend
Hunt will be transferred by the fall of 2013, not including the ones who
will move up to fifth grade at Emmet Belknap Intermediate...</blockquote>
A big plus for the City of Lockport was its neighborhood elementary schools. It was rare to find a municipality that still offered the benefits of these neighborhood bonds and the ability to walk a short distance to school instead of living on a bus.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...A parent of two at Washington Hunt, including a son who will enter
his fifth school in seven years, Michael Foster said losing a school
like Hunt could have adverse effects on the community. Parental
involvement in their children’s education could be reduced and stability
of the community threatened </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Foster told board members about
his decision to move to Livingston Place within the Washington Hunt
community. He told board members to be sure about their decision to
close the school....</blockquote>
It would have been nice to see city leaders more involved or taking a stand in the last two rounds of closures. Losing these 3 neighborhood anchors for 2-3% savings in the school budget (what did salaries and benefits rise the past 3 years?) seems a short sighted decision in regards to the well being of the city and school district.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Work on a classroom addition at Kelley is expected to begin in the fall.
The addition was a part of an $18.9 million capital project approved by
voters last year. Some residents said had they known it would lead to
the closure of Hunt, they probably would have voted differently. </blockquote>
Keep churning the spoon fed calves out of the bigger and bigger factories. <br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-58755777141904042692012-06-20T12:10:00.000-04:002012-06-20T12:12:33.992-04:00UCC Sold<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article902944.ece">The Buffalo News</a> and <a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1406730027/City-Centre-tax-pact-transfer-OKd">LUSJ</a> reported:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For the second time in seven months, a tentative sale of Ulrich City Centre has been announced. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This time, the buyer is supposed to be Siesta Development, a newly
formed Buffalo company whose principal is Darrel R. Lloyd, an appraiser
at KLW Group in Amherst. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency on Wednesday
approved the transfer of the property tax break on the commercial
complex from Ulrich Development Corp. to Siesta.<br />
Owner David L. Ulrich said the sale hasn’t closed yet. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In November, the IDA board approved the transfer of the tax break to
Timothy R. Gelder, vice president and chief financial officer of Barden
& Robeson Corp., Middleport. However, that deal fell through. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“The buyer wasn’t able to obtain financing,” Ulrich said Wednesday. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He declined to discuss the sale price, calling it “very modest.”
However, Siesta’s application says the company intends to obtain a $2.8
million mortgage while investing $600,000 in equity — a total of $3.4
million...</blockquote>
Some people have mentioned that they have some concerns with the person who tax assessed the property at $2.2 million buying the property for $2.8. Is the concern that he received priority in the sale for giving a lower assessment to the previous owner Ulrich?<br />
<br />
We are all free to sell our properties for more than they are assessed at. Tax assessments are educated guesses and the real value in most cases is revealed in a sale.(obviously not the case if my mother sold me her house for $1).<br />
<br />
The city did not lose out on any money since the assessments just relatively divvy up the approved budget for the year. You and I just may have paid a couple $$$ more.<br />
<br />
I've written about assessments in the past. Their punitive nature is a big hold up to reinvestment in the city. We should be rewarded for improving our properties, not for letting them die a slow death infecting the houses around them.<br />
<br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-78179101771486288262012-06-12T13:15:00.000-04:002012-06-12T13:15:02.358-04:00Washburn Street "Bricks" are coming down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JSzENGQZnY/T9d3afvN9rI/AAAAAAAAAEU/IvYdJmTNWrA/s1600/IMG_20120612_125332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JSzENGQZnY/T9d3afvN9rI/AAAAAAAAAEU/IvYdJmTNWrA/s320/IMG_20120612_125332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Seeing as tho it was mentioned in the Concert Thread that all it seems is that the concerts are the "Best news in Lockport" I figured I would share this as a change of pace ..<br />
<br />
As of this morning "The Bricks" on Washburn Street are being torn down .. FINALLY .. its only been .. HOW LONG since the fire and the condemnation of the building? <br />
(Pic attached of the tear down.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Not 100% sure if they are taking BOTH buildings down , or if a rebuild is planned. However the buildings DO have the fencing and a "Asbestos warning" sign around the entire (99%) of the perimiter. <br />
<br />
In the pic you cant see it BUT they do have a fire hose running across the street from the hydrant going to where they are working.. there are also workers dressed in white Tyvek suits and with respirators on .. <br />
<br />
Just another piece of "blight" that is being removed from Lockport.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-49591985108164074172012-05-14T14:30:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:35:00.232-04:002012 Molson Canal Concert Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">***Blogger has reach the 200 comment "unofficial limit" in the</span> <a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.se/2012/03/2012-molson-canal-concert-series.html">first post</a>. <span style="color: red;">Please continue the conversation here.***</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g6kCIusURtQ/TUBbpMEetLI/AAAAAAAAAAU/pM_DlFbPPRE/s1600/Molson-Lockport_rm.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g6kCIusURtQ/TUBbpMEetLI/AAAAAAAAAAU/pM_DlFbPPRE/s320/Molson-Lockport_rm.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Front Stage - Summer '10</i></div>
<br />
I have had some contact about where The Tracker is this year. I am quite preoccupied but here is the 4th installment. We will fill in the line up of the 2012 Molson Canal Concert
Series in Lockport NY. This is the 5th year of the series in
Lockport and there are to be 9 shows again this summer as the city works it way to a new 3 year contract.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.se/2012/03/artpark-to-charge.html">New this year is Artpark charging for their Tuesday Series</a> since it had grown to crowded. Will Lockport see more concert goers because of this?<br />
<br />
Past years' threads are here:<br />
<a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.se/2011/05/2011-molson-canal-concert-series-2.html">2011 Series </a><br />
<a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-molson-canal-concert-series.html">2010 Series</a><br />
<a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.com/2009/03/2009-molson-canal-concert-series.html">2009 Series</a><br />
<br />
Artists
will be added as they are leaked/found up to the official series
announcement date. The date is usually early June but was announced
mid-May last year after the whole line-up was eventually discovered. If
anyone finds any information feel free to drop them in the comments
below. I have been a little busy to dig deep. Recent updates will be shown in red.<br />
<br />
All shows
are held outdoors at the Ulrich City Center downtown on Main St rain or
shine and are free. Visiting Lockport and looking for other things to
do? Look here: <a href="http://www.lockportontheeriecanal.com/">"Lockport on the Erie Canal"</a><br />
<br />
<b><u>2012 Molson Concert Series Lineup</u>: </b><br />
<a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x41011745/Canal-series-announced"><i>(Official 5/14/12)</i></a><i></i><br />
6/29 - Gov't Mule <br />
7/06 - <a href="http://www.eddiemoney.com/tourdates.html">Eddie Money</a><br />
7/13 - Rik Emmett<br />
7/20 - Big Wreck <br />
7/27 - Theory of a Deadman<br />
8/03 - 54 40<br />
8/10 - George Thorogood and the Destroyers<br />
8/17 - Kenny Wayne Sheppard<br />
8/24 - Tea Party<br />
<br />
Official series website: <a href="http://www.canalconcerts.com/">http://www.canalconcerts.com/</a> Any
inquiries about being an opening act etc. should be directed there as I
am only a Lockport resident with no real ties to the concert promoters.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: red;"><u>Disclaimer:</u></span> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This
post is for discussing the lineup and the artists. Any comments
relating to the costs/benefits of the concerts are to be directed to an
appropriate post. Any appearing here will be deleted. Don't rain on the
parade. Thank you for your cooperation.</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com243tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-77547406512732615332012-05-11T14:48:00.003-04:002012-05-11T14:48:55.164-04:00LSD Cost Per StudentThe Buffalo News has <a href="http://blogs.buffalonews.com/school_zone/2012/05/how-much-does-your-district-spend-per-student.html">a nice interactive of Erie and Niagara County school districts' cost per student</a> for the upcoming year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiJtPJRz5Fc/T61drA-nsCI/AAAAAAAAAFE/cYMKEyc-CA4/s1600/LSD+2012+per+student.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IiJtPJRz5Fc/T61drA-nsCI/AAAAAAAAAFE/cYMKEyc-CA4/s400/LSD+2012+per+student.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lockport is relatively "good" when compared to other districts, especially urban ones in Erie County. A big point to note is that costs have gone up 20% in the last 5 years while inflation has only gone up 7, almost a 3x difference.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Buffalo News reported a large special section will be in this Sunday's edition.</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On Sunday, we'll be running a special section, <strong>"Your Schools, Your Vote,"</strong>
providing the most extensive coverage in Western New York related to
the suburban school budget votes and school board elections on Tuesday.<br />
We'll give you detailed information about the proposed budget for
every district in Erie and Niagara counties; information about
candidates in contested board races; and graphics that will enable you
to compare taxes, enrollment changes and spending changes in your
district to others in the region.</blockquote>
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-53648319009079436922012-04-26T01:30:00.000-04:002012-05-08T14:34:02.924-04:002012 Molson Canal Concert Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g6kCIusURtQ/TUBbpMEetLI/AAAAAAAAAAU/pM_DlFbPPRE/s1600/Molson-Lockport_rm.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_g6kCIusURtQ/TUBbpMEetLI/AAAAAAAAAAU/pM_DlFbPPRE/s320/Molson-Lockport_rm.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Front Stage - Summer '10</i></div>
<br />
Comments have froze here due to an unofficial Blogger bug. Please continue the conversation in the new thread:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lockportforum.blogspot.se/2012/05/2012-molson-canal-concert-series-2.html">2012 Molson Canal Concert Series (2)</a></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com267tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-37448784770145063562012-04-05T12:35:00.002-04:002012-04-05T12:35:38.415-04:00Phased Flight of Five<a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1451001605/-Phased-Flight-project-in-the-works">The LUSJ reported</a> that the Flight of Five Project to restore the north set of canal locks to period operation, has been granted the ability to restore them in phases instead of all at once. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The city is close to securing the state’s permission to restore two in the Flight of Five series of canal locks.<br /><br />
Pending final signoffs by the state Canal Corp. and Department of
Transportation, the city will use the remainder of an old federal
“earmark” to put Locks 68 and 69 back in working order, David Kinyon,
chairman of the volunteer-staffed Lockport Locks Heritage District
Committee, said this week.<br /><br />
It’ll happen because the city finally has gained access to $1.7
million, the balance of a federal transportation award obtained for
Flight restoration in 2005, by then-U.S. Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds.<br /><br />
Though the money was committed, it sat unspent for years because the
city was prohibited from using it until it had pledges in hand to fund a
total restoration project...</blockquote>
A huge score for the project and one that makes a lot of sense. One the wonders of 19th century engineering sits in the middle of our city and we should be good stewards. It is about time we catch up with other projects through out the state restoring long abandoned aqueducts, etc. A lot of those projects are in outlaying areas. Having ours in the middle of DT provides another piece of the puzzle for making a unique interesting vibrant place to live, work and visit.<br />
<br />
Who will store the mule?MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-42523599716182676112012-04-05T12:25:00.001-04:002012-04-05T12:41:17.237-04:00160 East Ave.<a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1437249499/Medical-building-ahead-of-schedule">The LUSJ reported</a> on the progress over at 160 East Ave (Next to LUSJ itself.)<br />
<br />
While the improvement is huge for the previously vacant building, the result of the street facade is lacking.<br />
<br />
The project passed before the planning board last year. My only comment during the session was the the East Ave frontage designed to look like the back or side of a building. The use of the rear as the main entrance is easily understood since the parking is (thankfully) at the rear of the building.<br />
<br />
Just because the front of the building is not main entrance (or even an entrance at all) should not preclude that the front facade of a structure interact visually with the street. The lack of any law based design guidelines in the city create situations like this where by time you get to comment on the project all you can do it suggest something. Something which will most likely be ignored since it is not the law to do so and the project has long been designed.<br />
<br />
A simple porch structure, even if non-functional would easily tied the building into the street instead of "ignoring" it.<br />
<br />
Kind of related to this project, and the languishing parking ramp project, is this parking ramp design from Miami University in Ohio.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpsVYiYWT10/T33K2mFgppI/AAAAAAAAAE8/js_YWfLXL5A/s1600/miami+university+parking+ramp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpsVYiYWT10/T33K2mFgppI/AAAAAAAAAE8/js_YWfLXL5A/s400/miami+university+parking+ramp.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If a parking structure can interact with its frontage, why can't a medical building? And if the parking ramp ever gets replaced, a design such as this would fit nicely along Pine and Main.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-30873001415458369442012-03-21T13:06:00.002-04:002012-03-21T13:06:22.895-04:00Artpark to Charge<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lewiston/article772109.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a> that Artpark will start charging admission for its Tuesday concerts (with reduced parking charges) while the Wednesday concerts will remain free (but with the current higher parking charges).<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Free concerts at Artpark played a key role in transforming Lewiston
from a sleepy village to a bustling regional tourism destination. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
But as the bands came, so did the crowds -- so much so that this
year, Artpark's popular Tuesday in the Park concerts will, for the first
time, require an admission fee. Proceeds from the tickets, which will
range from $5 to $25, will be used largely to control crowds. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"The crowds here for really big concerts have been kind of
overwhelming," Artpark President George Osborne said Tuesday. "It's just
grown to be so big, and we really couldn't find a way to control all
the people until this project." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The new Tuesday admission charges -- along with reduced parking fees
-- were outlined as Artpark announced plans for a $4 million overhaul of
its facilities. The upgrade will include a new elevated stage, fences
and ticketed entrances...</blockquote>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-73247487707524445922012-03-19T12:41:00.000-04:002012-03-19T12:41:05.247-04:00City Rejects Radio Tower<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article770424.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a> that the city has rejected a new county radio tower in Outwater Park. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Niagara County is looking for places to install new emergency radio
towers, but the City of Lockport last week rejected a county request to
build one in Outwater Park. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
The Common Council and Mayor Michael
W. Tucker decided at last week’s meeting that they didn’t want a
180-foot radio antenna to be installed next to the Outwater Park water
tower, as the county had proposed. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The tower would have been
surrounded by a 51-by-41-foot enclosure. “I just didn’t think Outwater
Park was an appropriate place,” Tucker said. He called the proposed
tower “not very pretty.”...</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...“They’re waiting on some final numbers there,” Tucker said. “Outwater
Park is not going to happen. We still want to work with them. We still
have some options. They could still put their antennas on top of the
Spires.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That’s a nine-story housing complex at Church and Ontario streets, owned by the Lockport Housing Authority....</blockquote>
I can see the reasoning for not wanting to put it in a park. But seeing the monstrous water tower is already there why not just put it on top of the water tower, especially if they are mentioning putting it on top of The Spires as an option? Outwater has been hurting for a long time. In exchange for the radio tower on top of the water tower request park improvements like new trees etc.<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-39203632952334277252012-03-15T12:44:00.003-04:002012-03-15T12:46:50.734-04:00School Vote LocationsThe LUSJ reported that the polling locations for this year's school budget will not change. They are still trying to consolidate in the long term to one location (the high school). It goes to say that doing so will only save $600-$700 dollars. But....<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...District officials have cited safety concerns at the schools used as
voting sites as the main reason behind reducing the number of them to
two...</blockquote>
What are the safety concerns? What documented events in last 100+ years of voting in Lockport school buildings show them to be reasonable to occur and thus necessary to prevent?<br />
<br />
Out in industry a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failure_mode_and_effects_analysis">Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)</a> is used at times. In short you rate chance of occurrence, effects that would result and chances of detecting it. Multiply the three to rank the priority. Something can happen often and be hard to detect but have little effect. Something else can have a disastrous effect but rarely ever happen and/or be easily detected. What "events" are the school district trying to avoid here by making it more of a PIA to vote? <br />
<br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-41724952970453048532012-03-15T12:29:00.001-04:002012-03-15T12:30:26.583-04:00Library Vote April 4th<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1690518575/Lockport-Library-vote-next-month">The LUSJ reported </a>that the library budget vote is coming up:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6aphVb_Xuk/T2IY2d1-H5I/AAAAAAAAAE0/XwHlLqa80Wo/s1600/lockport+library.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6aphVb_Xuk/T2IY2d1-H5I/AAAAAAAAAE0/XwHlLqa80Wo/s320/lockport+library.JPG" width="210" /></a>Voting on the Lockport Public Library’s 2012-13 budget will take place
from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 4 in the community meeting room of the
library.<br />
<br />
Registered voters of the Lockport City School District are eligible to
vote on the proposed $1.5 million budget. The spending plan will need
$1.3 million from the tax levy, a $32,127 increase.<br />
<br />
The library trustees will hold a public meeting on the budget at 6:30
p.m. Wednesday in the library’s community meeting room. The trustees and
the library director, Beverly Federspiel, will present the proposed
budget and answer questions from the public...</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lockportlibrary.org/pdf/Budgetflyer2012-13.pdf">The summary flier PDF is here</a>.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-13260461001933826842012-03-14T12:41:00.001-04:002012-03-15T12:48:03.912-04:00Concert Contract<a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1511614522/Tucker-pushes-for-3-year-concert-deal">The LUSJ reported</a> on Tucker proposing a 3-yr contract for the <a href="http://www.canalconcerts.com/">Molson Concert Serie</a>s.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Mayor Michael Tucker is advocating a three-year agreement between the
city and Canal Concerts Inc. to ensure the summertime series stays put
here.<br />
<br />
The series of Friday night concerts at Ulrich City Centre, held over
nine weeks between June and August every year, has been in Lockport
since 2008. The agreement between the city and Canal Concerts Inc.,
specifying each party’s obligations related to carrying out the shows,
has been year-to-year from the beginning.... </blockquote>
I recalled it being an initial 3-yr agreement followed by one year renewals up to this point. The article does a good job at laying our costs and responsibilities of each party (city/promoter) <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...As it has all along, the city pays the costs of professional stage
rental and assigns several police officers and a paramedic crew to the
venue on concert nights. The arrangement cost the city about $124,000 in
2011...</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...The proposed contract covers the 2012, 2013 and 2014 series seasons.<br />
<br />
For the duration, it has the city agreeing to: pick up and dispose of
all garbage collected at the venue; help get the series included in area
advertising of cultural, art and summer events; provide street
barricades and “no parking” signs where needed for crowd management; pay
for stage rental for nine shows per season, at total cost of $79,200
per season; waive city permit fees and licensing normally required of
vendors; maintain a liability insurance policy for the shows and name
Canal Concerts Inc. as an additional insured party; lease the City
Centre courtyard from Ulrich City Centre LLC, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on
concert nights, at no cost; provide a staffed ambulance at every
concert; cover Canal Concerts’ electric costs and ensure the company has
access to three-phase power at City Centre; provide a changing room for
the bands; and move portable bathrooms to and from the courtyard
before/after the concerts.<br />
<br />
Canal Concerts inc. is obliged to conduct a minimum of nine Friday
night concerts per year in the courtyard; provide the city with a list
of acts booked for the series by April 1 every year; obtain series
sponsors and provide the “same level of performance” as in past years;
clean up all refuse in the courtyard and have it placed at the curb for
pickup; provide at least 15 security staff, and at least 15 portable
bathrooms, at every concert; have the bathrooms cleaned weekly before
city workers move them; select beer and food vendors and ensure they all
have proper permits and/or licenses; return the courtyard to its
“original” condition after concerts; provide four uniformed staff to man
each ticket tent; ensure trailers and beer trucks are parked next to
electric outlets, in specific places agreed upon by CCI and Ulrich City
Centre; not block the entry and exit at Lock 34 Bar & Grill at City
Centre; use only “volunteers” as workers at concerts, or show worker
compensation and state disability insurance paperwork for employees;
and ensure third-party vendors also can show the necessary paperwork for
paid employees...</blockquote>
We've all been through the perceived benefits or lack thereof so I'll leave that alone for the time being.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
UPDATE:</div>
<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article764226.ece">Buffalo News reported</a>. They also noted that a 3yr deal is the same as the original and "par for the coarse".MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-42930292742136207732012-03-08T12:38:00.000-05:002012-03-08T12:38:00.474-05:00"Other" RecyclingI was searching for the location to drop off a couple of our old printers that were in the attic. The Niagara County Landfill on Rt. 93 still takes electronic waste for free. During the search I noticed that the county has updated the website and has a lot of information on whee to recycle/donate/give away old items:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.niagaracounty.com/Landfill/otherrecycling.asp">Niagara County "Other" Recycling Page</a>.<br />
<br />
Old sneakers? coats? craft/school supplies? furniture, eyeglasses, paint? There are some unique sources out there to not only get rid of the equipment and keep it out of the landfills but also to help out other people. MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-11949832560618731582012-03-06T13:29:00.001-05:002012-03-06T13:29:46.528-05:00March is Change Tote Size<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article741944.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a> last week:<br />
<br />
March is the month for action for city residents who want to change the size of their garbage or recycling totes.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
City
Clerk Richelle J. Pasceri said starting Thursday, residents may call
the city’s taped refuse hotline at 439-6752 to leave their requests to
go bigger—or smaller. Each resident is entitled to one free trade. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Garbage
totes come in 35-, 64-and 96-gallon sizes, while recycling totes are
available only in 64-and 96-gallon models. Pasceri said a limited number
of 96- gallon recycling carts are available, but the city has ordered
some yellow lids to convert 96-gallon garbage totes, which have blue
lids, into recycling bins. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The trades will be carried out in late March and early April, Pasceri said. </blockquote>
The best news is the ability to get a larger recycling tote. Ours is full well before the bi-monthly pick up.MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-45791953970289475702012-03-06T12:52:00.002-05:002012-03-06T12:52:33.888-05:00New Roof for Lockport Cruises<br />
Last night the planing board gave approval to <a href="http://www.lockportlocks.com/">Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises</a> for a new metal roof with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupola">cupola</a> along with some facade improvements. I believe it is part of a matching grant from the state done through the city planning office. The roof will go on top of the existing roof which will make it a quick project. The plan is to have it completed by this upcoming canal season. Some other businesses are also applying for the grant so hopefully I will have more to share in the upcoming months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYW30Ha_3Es/T1ZLzqAC9MI/AAAAAAAAAEs/ZMlz_Y3yUJk/s1600/new+lockport+cruises+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYW30Ha_3Es/T1ZLzqAC9MI/AAAAAAAAAEs/ZMlz_Y3yUJk/s400/new+lockport+cruises+roof.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Approved Roof - Facade </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4KTKqLuFc/T1ZLxQ78GPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/WNptzXmTit8/s1600/current+lockport+cruises+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJ4KTKqLuFc/T1ZLxQ78GPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/WNptzXmTit8/s320/current+lockport+cruises+roof.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Current Roof - Facade</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-77862418174348057402012-02-13T12:52:00.002-05:002012-02-13T12:52:56.383-05:00State of the City Address<a href="http://elockport.com/PDFs/2012/StateoftheCity2012.pdf">ELockport has the full copy of Mayor Tucker's 2012 State of the City Address</a> in PDF form and both <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article725260.ece">the Buffalo News</a> and <a href="http://lockportjournal.com/local/x1704533369/Tucker-Best-days-lie-ahead">LUSJ</a> reported on it.<br />
<br />
The good news:<br />
<ol>
<li>The city is in a relatively good financial state with a high bond rating.</li>
<li>The new privatized garbage and refuse system is saving money and working well</li>
<li>Tourism is up.</li>
<li>Online bill payment coming soon <br />
</li>
</ol>
The bad news:<br />
<ol>
<li>All 5 union contracts are up and pension and healthcare cost are steeply rising.</li>
<li>Taxes still relatively high</li>
<li>No real residential or overall income growth.</li>
<li>Housing stock becoming more and more outdated every passing year.</li>
<li>Parks and Highway still starved to provide sufficient infrastructure maintenance</li>
</ol>
This could be expanded and feel free to add your thoughts. There is
no doubt in my mind that the city is much better of than it was when I
purchased here 7 years ago (so is our house ;). So much so that I am
even a bit surprised. Still lacking is the overall vision, plan, and
tools to create real growth in the city especially in residential
investment.<br />
<br />
As nice as the Tourism Task Force is, more
important would be a Residential Investment Task Force. Residential
dollars are here year round, they create semi-permanent investment in
rehabilitating housing stock which increases the overall valuation of
the city. Their investment also makes the city look better to the eyes
of the tourist.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The city has done a great job putting out the budgetary fires.
This can only last so long and will only be made more fire-proof by
attracting long term investment in the city. <br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-5541443551627301212012-02-13T12:32:00.002-05:002012-02-13T12:32:50.904-05:00Ice Rink Revival<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article729394.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a> that the Ice Rink Complex in the old Jubilee on Chestnut St is gaining momentum again.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It’s been dormant for several years, but city officials were voicing
optimism last week that the Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center may
become a reality as soon as this year. <br />
“Recent developments have
given us reason to believe that this project will become a reality very
soon, and I am committed to making it happen,” Mayor Michael W. Tucker
said in last week’s State of the City address. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Corporation
Counsel John J. Ottaviano said Ciminelli Real Estate Corp., hired in
early December to mastermind the construction and financing of the
arena, has submitted a construction estimate of $10 million to $14
million. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
More importantly, Ottaviano said, Ciminelli has a plan
to sell federal income tax credits to investors whose payments would
comprise 38 percent of the construction cost. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Foundation grants
also may be announced soon to assist with the funding of the twin-rink
complex, to be built in the former Jubilee supermarket on Chestnut
Street. Bank loans also are part of the financing plan. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“We’re
within $3 million to $4 million of closing this entire deal,” Ottaviano
said. “Now that’s a very significant number, but it’s a lot closer than
we were before.” The rather large range in the construction budget
reflects some decisions not yet made that could add or subtract costs. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Among
them, Ottaviano said, are the exact size and exterior appearance of the
building and whether parking should be expanding onto the former
Dussault Foundry site at the foot of Washburn Street.... </blockquote>
A
good idea that fills a local and regional need while reusing an unused
building in DT. The bad idea is using the old Dussault Foundry site for
parking. Why pave over downtown's only view over the escarpment for a
parking lot? Why park people (potential customers) farther away from
Main St and businesses ensuring they will never go there? Using the
existing two lots at Locust and Washburn would put overflow parking
within two blocks while getting foot traffic walking past store fronts.
Other wise best of luck to the project.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-80868247732622396432012-02-02T12:38:00.002-05:002012-02-02T12:42:18.898-05:00City Bends to LPD Bait and SwitchThe <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/article719902.ece">Buffalo News reported</a> that the city has agreed to settle the LPD grievance over LFD dispatching duties. Regardless of how much, it is not a bad pay for the LPD considering we were sold on "no extra cost" by the police chief.<br />
<br />
Considering there is no retroactive pay, I feel that the LPD may not have been too confident in an arbitration outcome themselves. I fail to see how we could have lost the arbitration. Did Chief Eggert not have the authority to negotiate during his sales pitch?<br />
<br />
From an old <a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/01/24/933640/police-sheriffs-office-vie-for.html">Buffalo News Article</a> (01-24-2010)<br />
<blockquote>
“Police Chief Lawrence M. Eggert urged the Common
Council last week to turn Fire Department dispatching duties over to the
Police Department. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
For you to hand it to us
now would be extremely simple. We could do it tomorrow,” Eggert said
Wednesday. “I’m kind of hoping you give it to us. It’s easy. . . . <i><b>We
could do it for no cost</b></i>.” </blockquote>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-7033570215762941882012-02-01T11:57:00.001-05:002012-02-01T11:57:15.586-05:00D'VineD'Vine Wine Bar is opening today in the UCC (former store front of Metropolitan and Indian Grill). They have a (very) basic website that has an <a href="http://dvine-wine-bar.com/menu">all important menu</a> and what appears to be a frequently used <a href="http://www.facebook.com/dvinewny">Facebook page</a>. With 75 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers on tap and some unique menu offerings they should do well. It is a perfect business for a city which should be known as the epicenter of the Niagara Wine Trail. <br />
<br />
Speaking of which, The Niagara region (Ontario and NY) is quite often listed as <a href="http://www.weather.com/activities/travel/vacationplanner/destination/top10/wine.html?id=7">one of the top wine regions</a> in the world. One would think a city wanting to cultivate a tourism market would latch onto that. Wouldn't they?MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-64312712762347529242012-01-31T13:27:00.001-05:002012-01-31T13:32:16.757-05:00Cash Mob - Grimble'sAn e-mail was forwarded to me today. It apparently originates from Jack Martin of <a href="http://www.jfitzgeraldgroup.com/">J Fitzgerald Group</a> located a few doors away. Here is the email:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hey
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
Doug Bailey from our office told me of a story about a local hardware store
in Chagrin Falls, OH, where the community all came together for one day to flood
the place with sales. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Since I love stealing good ideas, Doug and I thought this would be a great
way to support one of Lockport's oldest businesses - Grimble's Hardware.
So here's what we'd like to do:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
* On Saturday, February 4, we'd like everyone to visit Grimble's and agree
to spend at least $20. They are open from 8:30-5.</div>
<div>
* Send this note to at least 10 other people, and encourage them to send it
to at least 10 as well</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Grimble's has been around since 1920 and, if you haven't been there, it's
the place to find practically anything. And unlike most big hardware
stores, they actually know where everything is in the store.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thanks to Doug Bailey for pointing out this story and idea. It's hard
to run a small business, especially in this economy, so let's see if we can all
show support to one of our own just like they did in Ohio. And while
you're downtown, you should also stop by some of the other businesses and show
your support. Thanks.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span class="street-address" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-size: 18px; line-height: 15px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;"><b>Grimble's Hardware</b></span></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div>
<div style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><span class="street-address" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">18 W Main St</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">
</span></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; color: #f3f3f3; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="locality" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">Lockport</span>, <span class="region" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">NY</span> <span class="postal-code" style="background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">14094</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #383b3e; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">
</span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here's the link to the story from Ohio: <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/cash-mob-viral-email-rallies-locals-to-support-historic-small-town-hardware-store/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.theblaze.com/stories/cash-mob-viral-email-rallies-locals-to-support-historic-sm all-town-hardware-store/</a></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Great initial story out of the Cleveland area and great idea to give it a shot here.</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-27613562799242220052012-01-27T13:14:00.001-05:002012-01-27T13:14:22.802-05:002013 Budget<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article716159.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a> that Tucker is already giving warnings on the 2013 budget.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Mayor Michael W. Tucker told the Common Council on Wednesday that
layoffs might be necessary in next year’s budget if the Council wants to
obey the state’s 2 percent property tax cap. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
The Council voted to override the cap for the 2012 budget it passed in November, and it increased the tax levy by 9 percent. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tucker told the Council that all five city union contracts run out at the end of this year.<br />
“If we don’t get some wage concessions, which we probably won’t, and
some health care concessions, those things alone will put us over 2
percent,” the mayor said. “If you’re going to hold [a tax increase] at 2
percent, you’re going to have to reduce the force by layoffs. I’m not
going to be hiring anybody for a while.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He told the aldermen he intends to meet with them individually in the
next few weeks to sound out their attitudes toward meeting the tax cap
in the 2013 budget. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“Sometimes it’s hard to keep expenses low. Health care will go up. It always does, probably 15 percent,” Tucker said...</blockquote>
I'll agree it's hard to keep expenses low and the city has made some progress in the recent past in trying to contain them. But until the city makes an honest progressive effort to start luring investment back into it, the same old record will be playing for the rest of our lifetimes. Most sadly become numb to the situation until they decide to move on.<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926052286620522481.post-67107207556057638542012-01-27T13:09:00.001-05:002012-01-27T13:09:10.433-05:00Another Walmart Suit<a href="http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/lockport/article716153.ece">The Buffalo News reported</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Work on the Walmart supercenter has been stalled by a months-old
lawsuit that town officials didn’t even know about until this week,
Supervisor Marc R. Smith said Wednesday. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Smith said Town Attorney Daniel E. Seaman briefed the Town Board
behind closed doors Wednesday about a lawsuit a town resident filed July
1 in Albany against Walmart and the state Department of Environmental
Conservation. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Since the town wasn’t a party to the suit and it wasn’t filed
locally, no one told him about it until Monday, the supervisor said. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The suit was dismissed Oct. 4 by a State Supreme Court judge in
Albany, but it is being appealed, said Daniel A. Spitzer of the Hodgson
Russ firm, attorney for the plaintiff....</blockquote>
Where are people getting the money for these lawsuits? The lawsuit costs have to be higher than any property value loss. A Walmart half the size of the old mall is going in with new view sound barriers etc. What's the real issue? <br />
<br />MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08897623569897105078noreply@blogger.com20