27° and Sunny
(Editor’s note: Most weeks, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino updates his minions with a proclamation about important things. The Express transcribes for those who would rather read than watch).
Hanukkah and Christmas trees
First, the city Christmas Tree Lighting at city hall and at the casino and also, for those who are Jewish, we had a chance to join with our Jewish friends down at Terrapin Point for the lighting of the Menorah to commemorate the celebration of Hanukkah.
So it’s been an exciting week. We have had some pretty productive discussions with Niagara Falls Redevelopment on the resolution of land claims. I’d like to think that they have come to the realization that what we need to do is move forward with the project that the city has proposed for a few years now.
About Niagara Falls, Ontario and the Gazette
If you think about all the talk that has been going on about the province of Ontario’s investment in Niagara Falls, Ontario and to be honest, I’ve been told that today, in the local newspaper, there is an editorial that we need to start thinking about it.
Again, from what I am told about the article, I haven’t read it, as usual the newspaper wants to take the time to be critical of this administration but I think that what they do is they sort of miss the mark that you know, the provincial government is leaning in. So when locals here call on the State to lean in it is not just the state park but the city proper.
“So again, we recognize and appreciate the investment in the state park, the trails, as well as heritage centers and other things that are done in and around the state park but I think that right now, what we are focused on as locals, as well as local government, on expanding the resident and tourist experience in the city of Niagara Falls.
Rainbow Mall progress
“We have an exciting proposal for the Rainbow Mall, reimagining the Rainbow Mall so we would appreciate our partners rallying to it and supporting what is in it so that the way the project is presented, it would be that indoor adult and family friendly location with a variety of family friendly activities.
“So that is what we are looking for, whether or not our local paper understands that much like the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, which has the province leaning in. That’s what we are looking for, whether or not our local paper understands the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, which has the province leaning in and investing, we are simply asking questions on our side of the border. Hopefully, these conversations will continue and we will be able to get to where we all believe we can make Niagara Falls, NY even stronger in the hospitality industry.
City Hall will be open Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
Additionally, we are looking forward, just so everyone know, city hall will be open on the day after Christmas as well as the day after New Years. We will be closed for those two holidays. Business will pick up on the day after so if you do have business to attend to we will be here for you.
About the budget
We continue to prepare for the coming year now that our budget is finalized, finalized this week. We appreciate the council members who saw fit to maintain the property tax proposal in our budget and not go along with those who wanted to increase property taxes on residents and members as we move forward. We appreciate those council members who saw with clear vision the responsibility to maintain the property tax base.
Drive safely
I think the weather over the next several days, it is not necessarily going to be snowy it is going to be windy so if there is any precipitation, and as I am speaking there is a little bit of rain coming down, precipitation could freeze. Our trucks will be out there providing salt for the roads.
It is important for us to maintain our winter driving skills. Remember intersections and as your are turning we still have folks who, though it may be hard to believe, are riding bicycles and scooters. Let’s be mindful of all of that. Remember it is not as important to rush where you want to go is get there safely.
Action in the New Year
It’s been a very interesting year here at city hall. We have been able to battle back, whether it is the progress that we have made on North Main Street or the successes we have had in the creation of an event center as well as the discussions we have now had in the development of the Rainbow Mall it has been pretty productive for us. Now, obviously the conversations need to move toward action so we can talk about a lot of things but now we need to have some action. So in this coming year, what I am hoping for is to be able to share some significant action for you in all of those areas so please be on the lookout for that. I won’t speak to you again until after the Christmas holiday so please, on behalf of everyone here at city hall, we wish you and your families a safe and Happy Christmas and hope that all of the things that all of us hope for the city of Niagara Falls will start to take shape in the coming year. Merry Christmas to everyone.
