Legal action proposed over Rapids

(Editor’s note: Failed Rapids Theatre bidder Jesse Gooch, who won reelection to the Niagara County Legislature last week, posted a media release to Facebook on Thursday. It is shared here, verbatim.)

Jesse Gooch, Business Owner and Niagara County Legislator, Calls for Answers and Accountability in Controversial Rapids Theatre Selection Process

Questions surrounding Niagara Falls Urban Renewal Agency, Mayor Robert Restaino, and the handling of the Rapids Theatre redevelopment proposal to be addressed publicly.

NIAGARA FALLS, NY — November 12, 2026

Jesse Gooch will hold a press conference on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM, tentatively at Niagara Falls City Hall, to address serious concerns surrounding the Niagara Falls Urban Renewal Agency’s (NFURA) selection process involving the historic Rapids Theatre on Main Street.

Gooch is questioning whether the selection process was conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with established procedures. He is demanding answers from NFURA leadership and Mayor Restaino regarding the handling, evaluation, and ultimate selection of a redevelopment proposal.

The press conference will address several significant concerns, including:

Questions regarding the fairness and transparency of the competitive proposal and scoring process.

Discrepancies involving competing redevelopment proposals, financial commitments, and required application disclosures.

Questions surrounding the potential preferential treatment of certain applicants.

Concerns regarding the handling of additional properties and information made available during the selection process.

The need for public accountability and full disclosure of the records and decisions that influenced the outcome.

Gooch has retained the law firm Phillips Lytle LLP to represent his interests in this matter and pursue appropriate legal remedies.

Additionally, a third party has recently contacted Gooch with information relevant to the controversy. The identity of this individual and details surrounding their involvement will be publicly revealed at the press conference.

“This is about more than the Rapids Theatre. It is about transparency, accountability, and ensuring that public property and redevelopment opportunities are handled through a fair and honest process,” said Gooch. “The taxpayers and residents of Niagara Falls deserve answers. We intend to bring serious questions and supporting documentation into the public eye and demand accountability from those responsible for the process.”

Gooch will discuss the concerns that may require legal action, outline the questions he believes city officials must answer, and address the next steps in seeking transparency and accountability.

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM (Noon)

Location: Niagara Falls City Hall, 745 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY (Tentative)

Speaker: Jesse Gooch, Business Owner and Niagara County Legislator

Legal Representation: Phillips Lytle LLP

Special Announcement: Identity and involvement of third party with relevant information