The little things count

As Mayor Robert Restaino is fond of saying, if you see a problem, like trash strewn across an empty lot or a lawn near your home that needs care, take care of it.

We’ve seen two examples in the last week. Sean Mapp and a small group of volunteers mowed a lawn that really needed it on 15th and North.

John Campbell, union roofer and selfless volunteer helped out by mowing. Campbell is one of those guys who shows up and does good, all the time, everywhere, a man of faith who leads by example and never needs credit.

Meanwhile, over on Third Street, Gaelen Baillie is making a go of his Daredevil Museum and was concerned last week about the condition of Art Alley. The sometimes forgotten path off Third Street needs some art restoration. The murals were funded by community development and the alley is owned by the city without a plan for maintenance or upkeep. The art in that alley represents early work by now more famous artists like Chuck Tingley and Fritz Proctor.

Sometimes it has been Morgan Genovese who mows. This week it was Rob Braun of the Bench Guys. Morgan, and Joe Hotchkiss consistently it the house across the street next to the now-vacant Power City Eatery. Montante Development has become a new version of Niagara Falls Redevelopment, owning numerous prime properties on Third Street and commanding unreasonable rents no sustainable business can afford.  

The things that make a difference are individuals who show up, care and do the right thing, not for flash but for the betterment of Niagara Falls.

It’s like a Field of Flags on Memorial Day put together by Kenny Tompkins and volunteers reminding us what’s important. The place is special. The people make it stay that way.