Island Dispatch, 1997-10-24

              Island DISPATCH *As the voice of Grand Island" "^ _ jmm jgg \mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I Monday I Nile Madness LARGE CHEESE PIZZA 4.95 ♦TAX (PIZZftSUBS) Official Newspaper for the Town of Grand Island & the Grand Island School District  28 Pages October 24,1997 (716) 773-7676 Vol. 54 • No. 27 650 Town approves drainage program by Christopher Caile Monday night Grand Island's town board approved the proposed 1997 Drainage Program. This year's program involves three separate projects at a total estimated construction cost of $43,000. They include: (1) construction of 1600 feet of ditch along the edge of property south of Tracey Lane that would connect with a drainage ditch constructed nearby on High School property at a cost of $11,000. (2) Cleaning of 2500 of ditch east of the Linear Park bike path for $20,000. (3) Reconstruction or approximately 170 feet of 30 inch diameter storm sewer across Highway Department SNOW! IT'S ONLY OCTOBER - Just days ago it was warm but Wednesday many on Grand Island were greeted with a light dusting of white stuff. Here a dock on East River is lightly covered amongst mist on the water and boats that just days ago were used on the river, (by Christopher Caile) Meeting held despite absences by Christopher Caile Erie County Legislator Chuck Swanick was there, so was Councilman Jim Sharpe, and candidate for Supervisor John Lexo as well as a group of residents from Tracey Lane. Notably absent was Supervisor James Pax and other town council members. It was called "an old time town meeting" called by two residents of Tracey Lane, Tony Dorazio and Mike Rafferty to try to get everyone in one room to come up with solutions for drainage problems in their area. Particularly frustrating to Darazio is what he calls a"run around" from town officials. A continuing problem for some residents of Tracey and Laurie Lanes has been backyard flooding. Ditches designed to carry off water to a storm sewer or to other areas are uneven, filled with debris or have been filled in by neighbors. The areas effected are a common drainage ditch running along the common utility right of way across back yards between Tracey and Laurie and on the other side of Tracey where backyards run along High School property. Residents of the area have become frustrated by lack of solution from the town. "So we organized this meeting and asked Swanick to attend," said Dorazio. "I contacted Pax and he was a little put out we had set up the meeting," said Dorazio. "Pax said TONY DORAZIO SPEAKS UP FOR RESIDENTS - Dorazio along with Mike Rafferty organized his own "old time town meeting" held Wednesday trying to get town officials residents of Tracey and Laurie Lanes together to discuss drainage problems in their area. Notably missing were most town officials. Candidates express views on the environment by Christopher Caile Last Thursday night Grand Island candidates for council and supervisor answered questions on the environment at a "Meet the Candidates Night" held at the Trinity Methodist Church. The event was sponsored by Quality Quest, the Zonta Club and the Grand Island Conservation Committee. The event began with a speech by bicycle expert Art Klein who spoke on bicycle paths and making a community bicycle friendly. For the debate portion of the program each candidate had been given two questions beforehand. They were allowed two minutes to respond to each question. Questions were also taken from the floor, and candidates were encouraged to discuss subjects with residents during the following refreshment period. Candidates were to speak in alphabetical order. QUESTION ONE: According to the Grand Island 1994 Comprehensive Plan, three quarters of Grand Island residents wish to preserve the natural rural setting of streams and woodlands as they now exist. What methods would you recommend to achieve these goals? Councilwoman Mary Cooke said it was of primary importance to preserve the rural setting. Not only would it preserve property values, but it would set Grand Island apart from other communities. She noted people say they moved to the Island because it is different. Preserving open space is a goal and the first step is to delineate the Islands major ecosystems, which has already been done. Another step is to create an open space map, which is in progress. As to methods to preserve open space Cooke noted cluster development, PUDS, conservation easements, overlay zones and special use permits. Mike Heftka, Candidate for Council said there was one word to sum up what is needed to preserve the rural character of the Island: Leadership. He then quoted President John F. Kennedy who said "Leadership and learning are CANDIDATES ANSWER ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS - Here candidates await their turn to speak during introductory instructins by the moderator Roger Cook, a Quality Quest member. Last Thursday was "Candidates Night" held at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Candidates for Supervisor and Council each answered two prepared questions, (by Christopher Caile) Candidates Night to air on Adelphia Residents who may have missed going to Candidates Night or seeing it on television will again have the opportunity to view their candidates before Election Day. Filmed by Adelphia Cable, the three hour account will run on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 9:30 p.m. on Channel 18, and on Wednesday, Oct 29 at 1:30 pjn. on Channel 10. continued on page 9 continued on page 13 continued on page 23