Island Dispatch, 1997-08-29

              Island DISPATCH  ___n years "As the voice of Grand Island" !L H___ _. """■BHC"" ' ' '" ii i > M ~wmmammaam August 29,1997 20 Pages SHOWCASE FAMILY RESTAURANTS 2352 Grand Island Blvd. • DINE IN TAKE OUT • NEW MENU • NEW HOURS OPEN EVERY DAY 7A.M.-MIDNIGHT 775-3211 Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District (716) 773-7676 Vol. 54 •No. 19 650 Ferry Village public hearing rescheduled Town Engineer, John Philips, has received several comments on the DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) for Ferry Village. Because of this and the fact that public comment isn't cut off until Sept. 2, the public hearing on the Ferry Village Master Plan has been rescheduled for Sept. 15. Supervisor James Pax clarified that since the town board is lead agency, it must review these comments and determine if additional environmental concerns need to be addressed through the preparation of a FEIS. It appears that additional work will be required to complete the SEQR process. Among the several concerns addressed by the FVARA (Ferry Village Area Residents Association) through the public comment process are: the need for an access road north of Ferry Road, a guarantee that residential property will remain zoned as is, the density calculation method for the Anchor Marine/Buffalo Launch Club properties, deletion of a walkway on lower East River, a staffed playground with equipment, a wider buffer zone between the park and residential area, and the necessity of new development environmental assessments. * The Ferry Village Master Plan incorporates many strategies and ideas with potential benefits to the town including: the construction of a class 1 bikeway, improved walkway along lower East River, pavement of local roads, playground construction, replacement of 8" water line, storm sewer improvements, emergency by-pass to Ferry Village through new residential area, establishment of permanent open space buffer between park and residential borders of village, East River Marina improvements, creation of Ferry Village residential zone (reconstruct in kind should existing residence be destroyed), pier with walkway for public fishing, passive viewing of river, and protection of environmental fishing and waterfowl habitats. New addition to welcome students, faculty by Deanne Bartha When school opens on Wednesday, September 3, Grand Island's Veronica E. Connor Middle School students will be welcomed in a fresh, new academic setting with a public address system that plays background music. Under construction since last March, the six classroom addition complete with a common area adjacent to double door classrooms will serve to accommodate the growing student population which has reached a "bubble," according to Principal Bruce Benson. Five sixth grade classes and one health room house six computer stations each and built-in bookcases. The room are arrange to surround an outside courtyard. Plants and science material made available to students will serve to make the courtyard and outside learning area. The entire project was borne out of "shared decision making," between faculty and administration, Benson pointed out. "We think this is going to be a great atmosphere for students," Benson added. "It's a nice transition for them." Indeed the new wing's open space with plenty of natural lighting lends itself well to a productive learning area. Teachers were busy last week unpacking classroom materials and readying themselves for next week's start of the new school year. Visiting each classroom, one could sense the excitement in the air. "Isn't this great?" Mary Domanski, sixth grade social studies teacher said of the common room. Sixth grade classes will now average about 24 students. Enrollment is up in the Middle School: about 821 students compared to 750 two years ago. AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF BUSLOADS - Ihe grounds of Veronica E. Conner Middle School are green and flourishing while-the halls still remain empty. It is only a few short days before the campus will be storming with anxious students. Island souvenirs are a growth industry In last week's edition of the Island Dispatch, we reported that the Chamber of Commerce had developed postcards depicting an aerial view of the Island. Several readers asked, "Is that all there is?" Well, we can now report that several Grand Island souvenirs are available at the Tops Market, Wilson Farms and Holiday Inn Gift Shop, right here on the Island. "Our goods were available before the news of the postcards was announced," said Mr. Samuel C. Hunt, President of Sam Hunt Enterprises Limitative. "But since the postcards came out, it seemed a good time to share the information about alternative souvenir choices!" "With the cooperation of the Island Dispatch we've developed two types of baseball caps, a thermometer keychain, and a large magnet showing the picture of the twin South Bridges at twilight which appeared on the front page of the Dispatch about six weeks ago," said Mr. Hunt. "We also have a 'beachball bear magnet' which is imprinted 'Grand Island, NY' ." In fact, NFP P.SJDispatch has been promoting Grand Island for over 30 years. G.I. Tourist Maps were produced by NFP for three years when there were none, as well as two of the Grand Island phone books. "Boost G. 1." promotions were also handled by NFP. In addition, promoting Grand Island off Grand Island with adds in off- Island publications was an important element in promoting the Island that was made possible by NFP. Island shaped window decals and bumper stickers, cocktail napkins and mugs are also some of the various ways in which NFP has Contributed to the promotion of Grand Island. Readers may also recall Sam Hunt's first entry into the souvenir marketplace back in 1975: the "Pride Sticks" bumper stickers which proclaimed "Grand Island, The Grandest Place to Live," "Grand Island, We Love It,"and "I'm Proud To Be A Grand Islander." "My wife, Dorothy, had the idea that since there were no Grand Island souvenirs, we should produce some," said Mr. Hunt. "That's how our business got started." Since then, S.H.E.L. has expanded and now sells souvenirs to gift shops in Niagara Falls, Chautauqua Lake, 1000 Islands, Cooperstown and a host of "resort stores" in the Ames Department Stores chain throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. The firm also offers business and political printed goods, along with ad specialties and business gifts. Mr. Hunt also works in close conjunction with various vacationland associations and divisions of tourism throughout NYS in a attempt to boost tourism in those areas where his products sell. His efforts with town, county and state officials contributed to the building of the official NYS Tourism Information Center at the corner of Staley Rd. and G.I. Blvd. Mr. John Salhab, manager of Tops Store on Grand Island Blvd., has reported that many shoppers have commented to him about these photo souvenirs. "They tell me that they're going to buy something for their out-of-town relatives and friends so as to share the 'Grand Island experience." So now, Grand Islanders have souvenir choices where none existed before. Thank you, Mr. Paul McCarthy, for the postcards, and thank you, Mr. Sam Hunt for the gifts! Candidates Night to air on Adelphia Grand Island residents who were unable to attend Candidates Night on August 19 will be able to see local hopefuls on Adelphia Cable, Channel 18. The schedule for the two and one half to three hour program is set as follows: Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. Another air date will take place in October. Watch the Dispatch for the confirmation date to come from Adelphia Cable. More school photos — See page 15 continued on page 9 Look For Our School Section on Page ...10 Also Check Out Our Cool Jazz Section onPage...ll