As a resident of Linwood Avenue whose property backs up the wetlands, I have to say I am appalled at the very thought of those woods being developed. To what end? A few developers will get quick cash and the city will receive a few houses for a tax base. Then what? Everyone who now has property that backs up to woods will see their property values plummet. Our beautiful tree-lined street will be no more, because they will have to cut down our trees to make room for curbs. Then what about the rain or melting snow? They will have to build the new development so high that our properties will flood. The wildlife will be forced into the city, then you have a control problem. So many issues at hand here and for what ... A couple of bucks? Doesn’t seem like it’s worth millions in lawyers and years of taxpayer money to me. The people who surround the wetlands need to get angry about this and do something before it gets too far.
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This is in response to all of the “not in my neighborhood” sentiment expressed at the public hearing on the proposed rezoning of the vacant, former St. Joseph’s Church property. The UCHS Inc. is the only prospective buyer to come forward with a specific program to provide services to people in need. It would be great to think that there are 10-20 potential buyers out there. Reality is, there are not. Without a buyer, whomever it may be, the property will surely fall into disrepair, become an eyesore, fall prey to vandalism with its inherent issues, causing you to lock your doors. Don’t let this beautiful campus become another statistic in this city.
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Do the school board and teachers of North Tonawanda realize that the unemployment rate in Niagara County is more than 10 percent? Apparently not. And what is this quote from our superintendent: “It will continue to ensure that our students are provided with a first-rate education.” Does that mean if teachers are not paid continually more and more money, they are not going to continue to educate our children? I think not, but that’s the problem with education: Just throw more money at the teachers and things are supposed to get better.
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