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(Editor’s note: The following was cut off in Sunday’s Express, either because it was chopped in editing or incomplete in email. Here it is in its entirety.)
By Will Crois
Special to the Express
I was born in Niagara Falls and still reside in this beautiful city. I understand that our city is in a state of decline, but despite the negativity often spread through public media, I believe much of it is unwarranted and unnecessary.
Our once-bustling Main Street has become a frequent target of criticism. The decline is visible—there are empty, uninhabited buildings—but there are also businesses worth supporting, such as the bookstore, police station, and cigar shop.
Urban renewal projects, changes in media spending, and the end of the power project are just some of the possible explanations for this decline.
Pine Avenue tells a similar story. Once a vibrant area known as “Little Italy,” it is now marked by empty storefronts, illegal smoke shops, and hip-hop clubs. A few Italian staples—La Hacienda, Scipione’s, and Latina’s—remain, but the question persists: Why such disparity?
When we look closely, we find many of the same answers as we did for Main Street’s decline. But perhaps the more important question is this:
When was the last time you actually made a purchase on Pine?
It’s disturbing when I hear people who were born here—or friends—say and print things that denigrate the very city that needs their support.
Recently, I saw a Facebook post about our city market and other parts of town with comments like:
“I’d rather eat from a toilet bowl.”
“The city’s a s*** hole.”
“Stay away from that area.”
“Don’t open a business here.”
This negativity ignores what we have: Niagara Falls. The Falls draws millions of visitors from around the world every year to witness its beauty and wonder. Instead of tearing our city down, we should be finding ways to lift it up.
