Hope on Main Street

A video featuring Main Street in Niagara Falls in its current state has been making the viral rounds on social media with hundreds of negative and ignorant comments.

It makes no mention of what is actually going on. I will get updates from the mayor on Monday, (I have lots of questions for him, but if you want to add to the list, email or communicate via Facebook messenger.) Here is reality:

The redevelopment of Main Street is actually happening. The city acquired 39 parcels through foreclosure in March of 2025. The first move was foreclosure on 38 buildings owned by Blue Cardinal Development (formerly owned by Richard Hastings). The city also acquired the Rapids Theater. The first move was structural assessment. Then cleanouts.

More than 100 large-size dumpsters came and went from multiple properties with work completed by Rodriguez Construction.

The redevelopment is a joint venture between the Niagara Orleans Land Improvement Corporation, Niagara County IDA, Empire State Development and the city.

Things took 60,000 moldy shoes from Cave of the Winds out of Jenss, left behind by Niagara University when Blue Cardinal told them they could no longer sort them out and ship them to third world countries. (Read the essay about those shoes posted elsewhere on the Express.)

In the Fall, the first 4 developers were announced. They are in design/architecture and funding phase. That represents about $30 million in funding from state and private sources. Morgan Genovese, who is going to see this project to the end or die trying (no pressure, hey she’s young) said at last week’s Groundhog Day meeting at the Train Station there are actually now 11 commitments. Interest is growing.

Last week a purchase offer was received for the Rapids. There is supposedly another coming. A dumpster was at the rear of the Rapids last week as cleanout continues there.

The investment total is likely now close to $100 million. Admittedly $30 million is all that is currently committed but that is more than Blue Cardinal or Hastings spent in 30 years. Within a few blocks of this development you can still buy a home for less than $100,000. 

A 20-minute walk away the price is twice that or a little more, but we love it here. The whole area is two blocks from the park that lines the gorge. You, too, can sit on your porch and hear the sounds of the Whirlpool Rapids and the waterfall. As far as white noise, it is negative ions that energize the soul. It is better than the bit coin din in North Tonawanda or LaSalle. Come now before it turns and you will be able to say you bought low. We did.