Niagara Hub’s Craig Avery (yours truly) has partnered with a local architect to tackle another vacant building on Third Street.  The former Gibby’s Island Bar at 460 Third has had several false starts since it was a furniture store in the days when people actually walked the streets buying stuff.  When we renovated the building across the street, the vision was to create activity, housing, and support for other businesses in the neighborhood.  Third Street Liquor, Third Street Variety, and Yvonne’s Cafe each provided new opportunities for tourists and residents alike.  Yvonne’s recently closed, supporting many experienced restaurant owners’ warnings about the perils of the restaurant business.  We are now hoping an established retail or dining facility can move in and take advantage of the location.  Meanwhile, eight apartments on the second floor add to the downtown mix.  Yes, only eight, but eight is eight more than we had two years ago.

So what’s up at 460?  Four apartments upstairs may take shape soon with upgrades to the typical downtown offerings.  Plans for air-conditioned one and two bedroom units will add to improved housing on Third Street.  Optimism for a good working relationship with City Hall will help expedite construction.  Our experience with the building department and permitting will save time, and pro-active communications with the economic development personnel should help in marketing our new space.  NFC, the lending arm of the City, provides funding with various programs for developers to overcome the high costs of construction and relatively low priced market for rentals.  These programs are out there for anyone willing to invest in the opportunity.  Yes, you have to invest.  Others without the balls may want you to think this is a government give-away, but I invite the anonymous bloggers or outside media “been there, done thats”  to put some of their own money into the streets and by helping the City, the  City will help you.

Please stop by the Hub to talk further about getting involved in Niagara Falls’ future.

Covanta Niagara, the owner and operator of the Energy-from-Waste facility off 56th street in Niagara Falls, in partnership with Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto today announced a plan to help neighbors with a rodent infestation problem stemming from road construction and sewer work on Buffalo Avenue. Over the last several weeks, Covanta has been meeting with neighbors and state and local government officials to discuss the issue in the community and hired Orkin Pest Control to conduct a survey and develop a remedial plan.

Initial survey work has been completed by Orkin and has confirmed that the primary source of the infestation stems from the road construction and sewer work on Buffalo Avenue and that there are significant factors in the neighborhood such as tall grass and unkempt areas that are contributing to the issue.

Although it was found that the Covanta facility is not the source of the infestation as was previously alleged, Covanta has volunteered to cover the cost of the Orkin survey and remedial work. Preliminary price quotes from Orkin estimate that the project will cost approximately $150,000.

“Covanta is committed to Niagara Falls as a place of business and as a place where the majority of our employees live and work. Rodent infestation in the community is a serious issue that must be dealt with as soon as possible and we are in a position to act immediately. Covanta is proud to be able to help our neighbors and we appreciate and are grateful for the cooperative relationships we have established with neighborhood representatives, Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Ceretto as we work together to resolve the issue and bring an end to the infestation,” said Covanta Niagara Business Manager Kevin O’Neil, .

“No family should have to live with the rodent infestation problem that the residents of Niagara Falls have had to live with,” said Senator George D. Maziarz. “While the community recognizes that Covanta is not to blame for the situation, the Company stepped up and did the neighborly thing and are helping the community. This was a quality of life issue and I was proud to work with Covanta to help fix the problem. Covanta’s dedication to the well-being of their neighbors is something that should be applauded.”

“It was extremely important to public health and safety that this problem be addressed and that the rats are removed,” said Assemblyman John Ceretto. “I was pleased to partner with Covanta to find a solution to this issue and I thank them for their commitment to the community. The most important thing here is that the exterminator will come in and provide a better quality of life for the residents of Niagara Falls.”

Orkin will begin rolling out their comprehensive plan and remedial work immediately.

What: Kan Jam tournament.  Entry fee is $20 per team.  Cash prizes for top three teams. 

When: Saturday October 12^th, 2pm.