The world according to Bob

(Editor’s note: This starts a new weekly Express feature. I will watch and summarize Mayor Robert Restaino’s weekly epistle so you don’t have to.)

Streetlights are changing

Light changeovers are underway. Most of the north end including all of DeVeaux now has LED lights. The rest of the city will be addressed in coming months. The new LED lights appear to have about the same downward lumens but splash less errant light into homes, at least in front of the Genco house.

Rescue plan

All of the American Rescue Plan funds have been allocated. Some neighboring communities did not use their full allocation. We spent ours.

Seeking investment

The Mayor is headed to other cities to discuss business opportunities in the Falls. Developers toured Main Street this week and met with State and County representatives who will be working to revitalize the Main Street corridor.

The mayor suggested SUNY Niagara may also be interested because of the culinary institute or redevelopment could include accommodations for tourists.

This week’s potshot

About a month ago, it was Arlene Doss who was called out by the mayor in his weekly missive. Recently, it was Councilperson Donta Myles, who wasn’t directly named but was referred to as the “sunshine councilman.” There is plausible deniability for the mayor in using the term since Myles has called for transparency from the administration, but the term “sunshine” was one used in slave times for field workers who worked in hot weather.

This week’s callout appears to focus on the Niagara Falls Reporter or perhaps Niagara Action. 

There are “those working to improve the community and those working to hold it back” Restaino said. “I think that it's clear that there are some individuals, with the help of minor media outlets, who try and create disharmony and dysfunction.

“We are going to continue to move forward because we think that the community itself is looking for the kind of change that our administration has been able to bring over these 5 years that we’ve been here.

“Change that has improved development opportunities. Change that has grown some financial stability.”

Finally, on NFR

Last week, the mayor said about half the property he is trying to take from Niagara Falls Redevelopment for the Centennial Park Project was never properly titled to NFR because when it was transferred in 2004 under the administration of Mayor Vince Anello. Restaino is claiming it was not properly “alienated”, a process required by state law for the abandonment of parkland including the playground and 13th Street gym.

“I shared with you the great news on the eminent domain process” Restaino said. “NFR doesn’t even own half the property it was given title too. They received a deed was void from the moment it was delivered to them.”

In closing, the mayor advised residents to watch football and drive safely.