Island Dispatch, 2001-03-09

              Island DISPATCH Winter Woes page 24 (716)773-7676 MARCH 9.2001 The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District 56 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers - Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage Title Tilt page 15 Kids page 3 m-^«^-J^^™^.-r*™ 65c V01.56 No. 45 Citizens group discusses Wilson Farms at Town Board meeting by Cassandra Fallacaro The Grand Island Town Board held a public meeting on Monday, March 5 at 8 p.m. in the Town Hail building to discuss issues of .local concern. It was standing room only as the floor was .opened up to those in attendance to discuss their opinions on agenda topics. Among the most talked about issue was Wilson Farms, with several members of a local concerned citizens group voicing their objections to the proposed project.  Among the concerns brought to the board were the environmental impacts of the proposed Wilson Farms Plaza, most notably the newly proposed gas pumps which did not appear in the original 1994 proposal. "This new proposal brings about a lot of environmental impacts," said one woman. Residents expressed frustration with several members of the Board as well as with officials at Tops and Wilson Farms, who were not present for the meeting. "This to mc is a very sad statement when the, voices of 650 people can be ignored,'" said William Lock of Regency Drive, in a letter read by his neighbor. Residents, also told board members that they felt put off by selected legal counsel for the board. John J. Ottaviano for his inaccessibility 10 them and his lack of response to a letter the citizens had written to him. One citizen recounted a conversation with Mr. Ottaviano's secretary, where she was told that Ortaviano was instructed by the board not to discuss the Wilson Farms issue with residents. Peter McMahon, Town Supervisor strongly denied that this was the case. "Mr. Oltaviano has been hired to work for the Board, thus he works for the citizens of Grand Island," McMahon said. Mr, Ottaviano was present for the beginning of the meeting, in which he addressed those. in attendance, though he was not present for the majority of the reminder of the. meeting. "On February 21, 2001, my office received a detailed communication from concerned citizens with exhibits which my office is presently reviewing. On February 26. 2001, that same communication was reviewed in detail with representatives of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and a follow-up meeting will be required to adequately address those very issues," said Ottaviano. Ottaviano also expressed dismay Getting Prepared GETTING PREPARED- Donald Scalise of the Knights of Columbus helped put up this sign in front of the Knights' headquarters at 1841 Whitehaven Rd. recently for the Zonta Club's Antique Show to be held there March 9-11. He is shown here assisting Lynn Laman, Zonta member , and Co-Chairperson of the Antique Show.- This the first time the Knights will be hosting the annual event, to which the public is welcome, (photo by Paul Lane) G.I. teachers donate flowers to Riverwood FLOWER POWER- The Grand isiand Teacher's Association brought some sunshine in to the lives of Riverwood residents, while raising funds for a worthy cause. Teachers at area Grand Island schools banded together to raise $2,532 for Hospice Foundation~through flower sales and dress down days. Linda Harbison of Sidway School and Debbie Beis of Huth Road School co-chaired the flower sale and with the help of Marlowe Beis of Grand Island High School, Mary Domanski of Connor Middle School, and Kathy Fik of Kaegebein School, sold 383 bouquets of Spring flowers. The teachers than donated 95 of the bouquets to the Riverwood Healthcare Center, where they will appear in the dining room and in residents bedrooms. On Tuesday, March 6 the committee, assisted by Maria Connell and Lorraine Szczublowski gathered together at Riverwood to fill dozens of vases with the flowers. Since their flower sale began in 1994 the teachers have raised $11,346 for Hospice, (photo by Cassandra Fallacaro) County Legislature approves Adelphia proposal With a vote of 16 to 1, the Erie County Legislature authorized the county to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Adelphia Communications for construction of a $125 million corporate headquarters to be located in the City of Buffalo's inner harbor region. "This is one of the largest economic development opportunities this region has ever seen," said Legislature Chairman Charles M. Swanick (D-Kenmore). "We are taking a major step forward in building the city's waterfront and creating hundreds of quality job opportunities." The Legislature held an informal Committee of the Whole meeting to learn more about the plan and a public hearing to offer community input and, in less than two weeks after receiving the MOU, approved the document that promises economic development opportunities and 2,500 new and retained jobs locally and across the state. "We are pleased to move this project forward for the good of the City of Buffalo and all of Erie County; however, we are also strongly encouraging all parties involved to sincerely consider the recommendations . made by the Legislature," said Legislature Majority Leader Crystal D. continued on page 2 continued on page 2 Weekend at a Glance Friday. Saturday and Sunday ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE Knights of Columbus, 1841 Whitehaven Rd, early bird pre-sale Friday, 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday LENTEN FISH FRY St. Stephen's Cafetorium, 2080 Baseline Rd., 5 to 7 p.m. (early bird for Seniors at 4:30) Saturday PTA BAZAAR Huth Road Elementary School, 1773 Huth Rd., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Till Spring <$> "The Keys To Your Satisfaction."  JL UU 413Q Sheridan Dr. Williamsville, NY 14221 Your Advertising Message can be Placed Here!