The World According to Bob

(Editor's note: Each week, Mayor Robert Restaino issues a proclamation from his dais to let the city know what it should think about his actions. The Express transcribes it for your reading pleasure.)

Congratulations Matt Barr

Matt Barr of SUNY Niagara and the Niagara Falls Americans was drafted into the major leagues.

Congratulations to SUNY Niagara.

The Americans are in the playoff hunt bouncing between first and second.

Movies at the library

This week at the Main Library 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the Main Library there will be a free movie, Minecraft.

Music everywhere

Gill Creek Park on Wednesdays 6-6:30 p.m.

Food Truck Thursdays at the Train Station 11:30-1 p.m.

Columbus Square Park, 7 to 9 p.m. free concerts on Pine Avenue sponsored by Pine Avenue redevelopment.

Also, Old Falls Street starting at 7 p.m. every week live music.

46th annual

Aug. 12 Ken Ruggiero Memorial golf tournament at Hyde Park is coming. Please register.

Hockey rink update

“Last week we were able to provide our offer to the Milstein Group for the Parcel at John Daly Boulevard and Falls Street.

That parcel was awarded to the city by eminent domain.

“It is made up really of two different parcels, one is the 10th Street Park that I think everyone is familiar with, those that played in Cataract Little League as well as the many picnics that were down there sponsored by the Department of Social Services.

“So the parkland is a separate piece. We have made our offer to the Milstein Group for that portion below the park heading west of the parkland and the amount that we offered is a little over $4 million. That number is set by a certified appraisal that our attorneys have commissioned in order to continue the process of eminent domain, now the vesting procedure. We anticipate if we have not heard from the Milstein Group by this coming week now we will get simply get court instruction to take possession of that property. I will provide you with more information on that as we go forward. I just want to make sure that it is clear to everyone that the property itself that we are looking for is the entirety of those two parcels. One is parkland that was never properly transferred and the other is the property that we just offered this sum from a certified appraisal.

“I just want to make sure that is clear because often some of the things that are put out there, they don’t make clear the steps that are taken, you know they sort of misguide, perhaps from a lack of understanding, whatever it might be but in any event, we are continuing to move forward as directed by the law in order to be able to take the property that the court awarded to the city.

Pumping up the project

We had a very exciting opportunity to meet with some of the area chambers of commerce who have been interested in hearing about the project because the project represents a regional opportunity for communities in Western New York who know what this event center and park can provide, not only for locals as well as guests who come here but also for the entire region.

“We were happy to have that opportunity and quite frankly were well-received by the groups.”

Weather and maintenance

“So the weather again has been pretty intense the last couple days and I hope that you survived all of that heat it is going to get better as we move forward.

“We are hoping that just as the city has taken care of the business of maintaining properties it has that those people that are out there that own properties will do the same.

“The city’s responsibility lies in making sure these properties are maintained but that process takes time. An easier step is simple. Just maintain the property. Keep it clean. Cut the grass, just simple things that can be done. And by the way, that responsibility extends all the way to that area that is called the margin that extends between the sidewalk and the street that is the private property owners responsibility as well. The more we work together the better off we will be. So it is the residents’ participation along with the city’s participation that helps to make this more satisfactory to everyone.

New totes are coming

“The other thing too that I wanted touch on is much has been made of the roll out of the totes and we appreciate the fact that Casella has done their best to try and get them out there. They have some additional totes they are hoping to acquire in order to fill out areas that have not yet received bins.

“So if you haven’t received it, it is because they are getting the additional ones they need to fulfill the needs of the city. We are meeting with them this coming week in order to be able to go over where they are at, where the missteps are, what they can do to improve that and how we can get back on track with everyone having the appropriate number of totes that they need as well as covering the entire city.

“You can rest assured that, as much as I know that you are frustrated, Casella is also frustrated that they weren’t able to roll it out as smoothly as they would have liked. And of course, when the residents are dissatisfied, city hall is dissatisfied, we have expressed that to them and that is why we are having a meeting this coming week in order to be able to discuss how we move forward with the rest of the rollout so your patience is appreciated. Know that we are working to make sure that we know that it gets covered for everyone.

Armenian Festival

St. Haggop Armenian Festival is Sunday.

Have a nice weekend. Be safe. Be mindful of scooters, bikes and everyone sharing the road. Get away from the screens and get out and get some exercise. Be safe and enjoy yourself