[Press Release]
“It is my strong opinion, as is has been since August 2015, that the highest and best use for 606th Sixth Street is the proposed Orleans/Niagara Board of Educational Cooperative Services (BOCES) Medical Training Facility, as presented in our 2016 Community Development Department Action Plan. This employment training facility has the potential to bring new professionals and students into a core neighborhood that is experiencing transformational investment with the Walnut Avenue Homes, Niagara City Lofts and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Golisano Center for Community Health. Between the intersections of Walnut Ave and Portage Road and 6th Street alone, $40 million of new housing, commercial, and health services development is happening simultaneously. Continued smart growth in the core of our City is essential, and it is exciting to see this unprecedented transformation underway. Conversely, the Northpointe Methadone Clinic proposed for 606 6th Street is not the highest and best use for this particular building or neighborhood. This use does not advance the city’s approved master plan or support the rest of the new development happening around it. We have made clear our strong opposition to the State of New York and the appropriate agency personnel. This statement reaffirms that opposition to all parties involved as well as strong support for the BOCES facility from the Office of the Mayor, Members of the Niagara Falls City Council and the community at large. As recently as today, we have been informed by the State that the facility has not received the necessary final approvals for locating at 606th Sixth Street. Our main priority is to continue working with the BOCES medical training facility to secure a lease to occupy the entire building.Western New York, and the nation as a whole, is experiencing an opioid addiction epidemic. The City of Niagara Falls is ready to assist New York State, and applicable service providers find the right location for these vital clinical services. Our residents deserve a voice in this type of decision making, and early education always helps prevent misunderstanding. It is imperative that any location isn’t determined until the Community has a chance to weigh in. We need to find a location for clinical services that is both appropriate for our neighborhoods and respectful of the clients trying to better their lives through treatment. 606th Sixth Street is not that location.”
Zoning is how we protect the public and private investment already made in that area.
Once again, persons with the disease of drug addiction are being marginalized.
These are not second class citizens. These are individuals who require understanding, support and treatment in a safe, non-judgemental facility. Because the numbers are becoming alarmingly high, we must do all that we can to stem this alarming tide. The ripple effect to families and communities has a devastating potential if not correctly dealt with. I feel as a resident of this city that we should do everything in our power to achieve a safe environment for residents as well as our tourists. Minimalizing this epidemic will not achieve that goal. Let us set a standard that all of our state can replicate of sucessful treatment, tolerance and inclusion.
And, if you feel this is a threat to the well being of a neighborhood… Change the Zoning Laws to make it a Non-Negotiable issue!
Thank you Mayor for sending your comments where they will do the most good. I strongly support the BOCES training facility at this location and will assist any way I can to bring that to fruition.
Norma Higgs