Island Dispatch, 1997-03-28

              Island DISPATCH  "AsthevoiceofCfrandlsland" ~^™ JUNK CARS 1 REMOVED MARTY'S TOWING, INC. [ 1741 BA6euNe Road Grano Island, NY 14072 '!: Auto Repairs '!= Tires '•',' j 'I' Batterie* '!* Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District  Vol. 53 • No. 51 (716) 773-7676 Marc/7 28, f 997 20 Pages 650 Buckhorn Marsh project progressing by Christopher Caile Ken Roblee, Senior Wildlife Biologist for the Department of Environmental Wildlife, said that the Buckhorn Marsh project is progessing well and that dredging operations and building of a haul road will be finished by April 30. The marsh, surrounded by woodlands, is situated at the north end of the Island near the bridges. The Thruway cuts across the end of 160 acres of the Buckhorn Marsh in that area. The marsh is the largest and one of the only Niagara River marshes remaining. It is an important wetland area and a possible future "eco-tourism" attraction. In recent times, however, water levels in the marsh have dropped in part to water drop off due to the Niagara River Power Project, and in part due to silting of intervening waterways. At one time Burntship Creek running through the marsh could accommodate small ships, but it is now reduced to a depth of a few inches. In recent years the marsh had become too dry for many bird species. The area also became over grown with cattails. The project has two phases. Phase one began in March 1996 with construction of "weirs," or low dam like constructions that allow inflow of water when river water is high and then retain it when river levels fall. At the suggestion of Town officials a bike bath will be built atop the weir paralleling the Thruway. The Town is contributing funds from a grant toward the construction. Phase one is funded by a combination of U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) grants, a Ducks Unlimited grant assisted locally by the Baird Foundation and Wetlands Mitigation funds. Phase two was unexpectedly expedited when $200,000 was made available from the Niagara Frontier State Park's share of the $1.75 billion State environmental bond program. Under phase two dredging has begun to create open water habitats, and water channels including the former Burntship Creek channel through the marsh. This involves the dredging and removal of more than 46,000 cubic yards of soil creating a 6000 foot long channel that is 60-90 feet wide and 3-4 feet deep. At completion the marsh should provide a viable habitat for marsh bird species in the vicinity of the Niagara River. Inhabitants should include Virginia Rails, Least Bittern, Black Crowned Night Herons, Canadian Geese and Wood Ducks. HYDROLIC TRACK EXCAVATOR DREDGING IN BUCKHORN MARSH - Now at work in the middle of Buckhom Marsh dredging equipment is digging a 6000 foot long open water channel 60-90 feel in width along with other channels through the 160 acres of wetlands to create a new habitat more conducive to marsh bird species. The marsh is an important area wetland and possible future "eco-tourism" area, (by Christopher Caile) Sharpe announces candidacy for town councilman Grand Island Councilman and small businessman James R. Sharpe this week announced his candidacy for the Independence, Republican and Conservative nominations for Town Councilman. In a letter to members of the parties, Sharpe, 50, said the town needs "leadership that can change with the times to protect the quality of life that Grand Island residents enjoy and want to continue." "We need a councilman,1' said Sharpe, "who will change the way we do business in order to protect the values we care about: the rural nature of our town that give Grand Islanders a unique and special lifestyle." Sharpe warned that "we cannot be lulled into taking a head-insand' approach to town government which will only lead to suburban sprawl and business decay." In 1990, Sharpe proposed writing a new Comprehensive Master Plan for Grand Island. As chairman of the town's Master Plan Committee, Sharpe is credited with promoting and guiding in a new plan for the town that is designed to preserve the Grand Island way of life while allowing for appropriate growth in residential and calling for the development of a town center. Sharpe also said that as Councilman, he would continue his fight to hold down taxes and maintain town services. "As a small businessman and homeowner on Grand Island, I know how important it is to keep taxes at the lowest possible level. Running for re-election as Town Councilman I'll bring to the post my many years of experience and proven anility to get the job done." Sharpc has a long history of community involvement and has been a member of the town board since 1990. Sharpe spearheaded creation of the town's Recreational Master Plan, and also guided the town hall through his computerization, and saved the government over $35,000 in consulting and service charges. He served as President of the Grand Island Taxpayers Associatiou. He is past chairman of Grand Island Friends of Youth and is a member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Sharpe is a computer consultant with Edutech working in the Niagara Falls City School District, providing computer education support. He is an Air Force veteran. Sharpe is a 34-year resident of Grand Island. Together with his wife, Carol, and their son, Eric, 6, he resides on East River Road. Multi-vehicle accident closes South G.I. Bridge Eighteen G.I. Firefighters, under the direction of Chief Paul Gorman, responded to an eleven car pileup in the southbound lane of the 1-190, at the top of the South Bridge, at 8:52 ajn., Saturday morning, March 22. Slippery road conditions reportedly caused this chain reaction collision which closed down traffic for over an hour while emergency TkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaW equipment, tow trucks and NYS Troopers sorted out the wreckage. Although there were no lifethreatening injuries, 37 year old Linda Flynn of Regency Dr., G. 1., had to be extricated from her vehicle by GIFC rescue personnel. She was treated by paramedics for a lower continued on page 3 continued on page 3 Daylight Savings Time Returns Sunday, April 6th. Island taaWßamiaaWSk residents are HM MF reminded to turn their clocks ahead one hour, Sunday morning at 2:00 AM