Slot money will go to local projects
WHEATFIELD — What’s the key to economic development in Niagara County?
It could be flowers. Or barbecue. Or museums. A feasibility study on a trolley between Niagara Falls and Lewiston might help, too.
The Niagara County Legislature’s Economic Development Committee voted Wednesday to supply money from the county’s share of Seneca Niagara Casino slot machine profits to all those items and more. The Legislature dished out $20,000 in total. Counting projects approved in June, $70,000 of the county’s $103,000 has been spent.
The largest recipient was Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, to be granted $7,500. But the committee also approved $2,500 grants to:
The Village of Lewiston, for Academy Park beautification; the Lewiston Museum, for security system upgrades; the Sanborn Historical Society and the Sanborn Business and Professional Association, for their Winetique Festival; a study of the proposed Explore Niagara trolley; the Herschell Carrousel Museum in North Tonawanda; and a barbecue contest to be held this weekend in Wheatfield.
Legislator John D. Ceretto, R-Lewiston, said he’s forming a committee to work on the trolley, or “people mover,” between Niagara Falls and Lewiston. Among the players is Doreen O’Connor, head of Majestic Tours and the wife of Legislator Sean O’Connor,D-Niagara Falls, who abstained from the vote.
Ceretto said the link to outlying attractions might make tourists stay in the area longer.
“Beauty brings economic development. I have no doubt about it, seeing what we’ve done on Center Street,” Lewiston Mayor Richard F. Soluri told the committee. “Why do you think so many people go to Niagara-on-the-Lake? Because of the flowers. What about the Floral Clock?”
Soluri said the village will plant flowers around the band-shell and the “historic bleachers” in Academy Park.
Roy “Honcho” Gregory, described by Legislature Chairman William L. Ross as “the barbecue king of Niagara County,” received $2,500 to help pay for promotion and prizes for the Smokin’ Eagles Barbecue Championship at The Summit mall on Friday and Saturday. The winner will go to Georgia for a national contest Oct. 31
and Nov. 1. The event is being put on by Aerie 1411, Fraternal Order of Eagles, in Wheatfield.
