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By Arlene M. Doss
Niagara United Vision
Americans pay: Federal Income Tax: Payment is not your choice, it comes directly from your paycheck.
State Income Tax: Payment is not your choice, it comes directly from your paycheck.
County, City, and School Property Taxes: You get a bill; however, if you don’t pay you may lose your property.
Federal and State Taxes: are sent to your local government to provide for your city. County taxes: are distributed to cities for the upkeep or improvement of the city.
Who is USA Niagara Development Corp?
USA Niagara Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development, supports and promotes economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.
Who is T.M. Montante Development and our tax dollars?
As of June 2023, “the state agency disposed of seven properties, which they said were acquired at a total cost of $1.36 million and later sold to a trio of developers for $1.00 apiece, or $3 dollars in total. Among those developers was Montante Group, LLC, which purchased four properties.
Tax Breaks (Your Money) reported by Mark Scheer, Niagara Falls Gazette July 8, 2021
Your tax dollars from the federal, state, and county will build you a small event center, a brewery, and a restaurant State and County tax break: $1.7 million dollars. What will we get in exchange for $2.65 million subsidy package:14 full-time jobs, mostly in food service and the event center.
Channel 2 News covered the story. Not the best way to spend your money. See story at
https://www.wgrz.com/.../71-47926e60-093f-4445-be42...
Now Montante is not close to starting construction because interest rates are up and inflation has hit construction costs. Construction costs the same here even when rents are lower than Buffalo.
The Societal Impact
While Niagara Falls business district by the waterfalls is primarily for visitors, the inner City of Niagara Falls continues to decay. During the Planning Board meeting this week, $375,000 dollars of your tax money was committed for a temporary park and will be removed later. Accordingly, the parts can be refurbished and reused somewhere else.
While our city officials spend lots of tax dollars on planning, the communities see very little improvement. There is currently a pushback for the fourth district to build Beech Avenue Park. If the City Cooperate Attorney explained, “it is too late to start constructing the Beech Avenue Park in the Spring this year because of the time it will take to put out a request for proposal (RFP)”, what will happen with the $3 million dollars of Niagara River Greenway funds allocated for upgrading Hyde Park?
Let’s not forget the tradeoff ARP funds for Gluck Park repairs. While Beech Avenue Park , according to the Mayor, waits for “residual funds from Centennial Park”, a Centennial Park that may never come to fruition.
What is the real plan for Beech Avenue Park? Right out of the mouths of City Hall, “he is going to use the Beech Avenue Park for re-election.” We have a Facebook post from family member using the mayor’s face, “Arlene M Doss, you are a victim go enjoy your retirement. Don’t forget I outsmarted you and the Black Churches love me.”
I am sure this is how it will happen, and some will tell the black community, “He gave you something.” Then they will stomp around because he gave them crumbs and tell you to vote for the person that gave you little to nothing of your tax dollars.
Sadly, Niagara County Legislators disbursed millions of dollars for development throughout Niagara County; Niagara Falls received zero dollars. They have a Community Development Board and now we have been fighting to construct Beech Avenue Park and a community development project that is 20 years in the planning. There remains $200,000 for brownfield purposes). The Beech Avenue Park is to be built on five acres of brownfield.
Environmental Considerations
There is a great need to devise economic development that will improve the quality of life, raise the standard of living, and empower the citizens who reside in the predominately African American community located in the North End/Highland Avenue area of the City of Niagara Falls.
The revitalization of Beech Avenue Park can be a catalyst of change for the residents of our community in an area of the city that has been neglected for years and needs modernization. Having parks and recreation in a neighborhood is an essential public service that is vital contributing to the economic and environmental health and well-being of a community, as well as ensuring the health of our families, including the youth and the elderly.
Human-Centric Innovation
As we navigate the future, it is essential to adopt a human-centric approach to innovation. Communities should be developed with the goal of enhancing human well-being and addressing societal challenges. Collaborative efforts between governments, industry, academia, and civil society will be crucial in steering Niagara Falls’ progress towards positive outcomes. By prioritizing inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical considerations, we can harness the transformative power for the greater good.
Conclusion
The City of Niagara Falls, New York has access to millions of dollars. It is imperative to reflect on the lessons of the past and chart a course that embraces the potential of growth while addressing its challenges. By fostering a culture of responsible innovation, we can ensure that all communities serve as a force for positive change, enriching our lives and shaping a better future for all.
I have had the pleasure of meeting with government representatives on both sides of the aisle. The consensus is “we the people” in Niagara Falls don’t get out and vote. November we will be having an election that will be as important as the election for President. If you truly want change, a voice, your tax dollars invested in your neighborhoods, and a new government make sure you get out and vote.
If you are not a registered voter, we will soon be holding voter registration throughout the city and introducing candidates for City Council and District Legislators. Parents, please teach your children the importance of voting as they will be the future of Niagara Falls.
Finally, make it out to your City Council meetings and demand accountability for your tax dollars. Example: There was $180 thousand allocated for the planning of Beech Avenue Park. How much did the City spend and where are the remaining funds? We, the people, should not have to complete a Freedom of Information letter. Every dollar spent by the city should be reported to the people with receipts and posted on the City’s website.
