The World according to Bob

(Editor’s note: Each week, Niagara Falls Mayor Bob Restaino issues a proclamation via Youtube informing the citizens about what his administration is up to. The Express watches so you don’t have to. Here is a transcript.)

New message board on Hyde Park Boulevard

As you may have seen we have a new digital board along Hyde Park Boulevard. That board will start to provide some information on things that are going on. Ultimately, we anticipate being able to provide some information about events that are going on in the city and other information that is pertinent to all of us as we go through the week and the day.

More conversations about Main Street

We have continued to have some very fruitful conversations with new developers for Main Street. It is our hope that as we move into the final months of this year that we will be able to solidify a few more projects that will announced along the Main Street Corridor along with beginning with some streetscape design for the entire Main Street area so as we walk into the New Year, all of us will begin to see some activity on Main Streets and as we anticipate, all of us will start to see a rebirth of that part of the city.

Ready for court on eminent domain

Also, we continue. We are awaiting our opportunity to appear before the court for the final phase of acquiring the property for the event center and park. I believe our attorneys have yet to receive the next date for us to appear but I know that will be coming up in the next couple weeks. So once that phase is completed then obviously we will be in a position to start talking more furtively with partners on design and construction costs. We know based upon the feasibility study the ballpark of the project according to what the cost will be. Despite the fact there are those who want to sort of diminish the city’s ability to have such a development, I think it is our time and I think a lot of people in the city believe the same. There have been a number of investments that have been made in communities not only in New York State but also right here in Western New York, and the city of Niagara Falls is certainly in a position to anticipate that it is their time. So to those who want to continue to drag their city, our city backwards, all I can do is I guess wish them well. We are going to continue to move forward because I really do believe, again, that it is our time.

It’s getting colder

If you haven’t noticed, the temperatures are getting a little colder in the morning. There are a few things I want to announce. I won’t be with you next Friday. I am going to be out of the office for a couple days. So one of the things I want to give you information on is Halloween.

This year, trick-or-treating on Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31 will be starting at 4 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m.

Be careful on the road

We continue to impress upon all the residents to be mindful on the road. I appreciate the work that was done by the Heritage Area in the northern part of the city that configuration of streets at Main and Portage right in front of the library. Our hope is that, not just adding some vibrancy to the street but creating a better traffic flow.

As you go through there, I am sure that, while the color and the design are something you want to see, please make sure you keep your eyes on the road and be mindful of the lanes that are there and once again we appreciate their work on that project.

Check on people you care about

Temperatures are going to be getting colder. We are not going to see those warm morning temperatures for several months. Once again, if you have seniors or elderly people with whom you have friendship, check on them, make sure they are all set for the winter as well to make sure we remain a community that cares about one another.

Clocks turn back on Nov. 2

We will be turning the clocks back at the end of this month so be prepared for that change. The time for darkness will be changed. More on that I will be reporting as we get closer.

Enjoy Fall. Take a hike

Again, if you are going to be out and about, please enjoy yourself. Enjoy Fall. We have the pleasure of having the ability to enjoy this season. There are some parts of the country that don’t get that pleasure so enjoy Fall. Get out. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Get some exercise. Do something. Be careful. Be mindful of others that are out there with you. Please remember, I won’t be with you next Friday but I look forward to talking to you again when I return.