Island Dispatch, 2001-08-03

              Island DISPATCH 56 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers AUGUST 3, 2001 • 20 Pages 65tf The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage Scattered T-Storms Hi 85 i..64 See /»«#«• 20 All Stars Triumphant in Tournament page 12 Town Hall Employees Enjoy Picnic page 3 ————————————————————————————a—— Vol. 58 1 No. 22 Board reviews airstrip and skate park resolutions by Jon Sandino On Tuesday afternoon, the Grand Island Town Board gathered for a special board meeting which focused on two issues that are still waiting in the wings for approval. The board started by discussing the draft for the Mesmer Airstrip. The original draft, which was presented in the past did not completely coincide with the present one. That caused some concern with the board. According to Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, there were a few mistakes and some references that were not visible in the original draft. In addition, there was a drainage situation that could cause problems down the road. "We decided to send the draft back to the applicant," McMahon said. After discussion on the airstrip concluded, the focus turned towards the skateboard park. The town has been trying to find a solution over the past few months that would satisfy everyone involved. "I think it's time to take a vote and get this thing over with. That's our job and that's what we're here for," said Councilman Kevin Rustowicz. Rustowicz's wishes . were answered and all is going as planed. The insurance company responded to the board's request and pending a vote the temporary park could be in place within the next few weeks. "We were waiting to see what the insurance company wanted," This auto parts store has serviced more than just automobiles this summer. Since island youths are still waiting for a decision on a skate park facility, they have turned to the streets, sidewalks and parking lots like this one in which to skate. A decision for a temporary skate park is expected to come at Monday's town board meeting, (photo by Jon Sandino) GILL All-Stars advance to state tournament Over the past month, the Grand Island Little League 10-year-old All-Stars have advanced to win the district and sectional championship titles and advance to the state tournament.The District 1 Championships took place in Grand Island from July 1 through 8. Gl won .its first game there against Tonawanda, 15--5. Pat Winters went 4-for-4 with 8 RBI in the game. In game 2, Joe Oliverio pitched a two-hit shutout to beat North Tonawanda, 10-0. Game three saw North Tonawanda return from the loser's bracket to beat Gl 6-4. despite a 3-for-3, two RBI showing from Winters. The district title game saw Gl come from behind in the 6th inning to beat North Tonawanda, 8-7.. Chris Podlucky hit a two-run single to tic the game, followed by Tom Meka's game-winning hit. From there, the team advanced to the Section 1 Championships last weekend in Batavia. They opened The team is pictured after capturing the sectional title. Pictured are: bottom row- Billy Palumbo, Anthony Aughtman, Shawn Winter, P.J. Lemme; center row- Tom Meka, Adam Helman, Chris Podlucky, Drew Winkel, Shawn Vanderbrook, Pat Winters, Justin Vanderbrook, Joe Oliveri'o; top row- manager Gary Winkel, coaches Richard Winters, Gary Winter and John Meka. New homes could debut on island by Jon Sandino A local developer has recently reintroduced plans to build 52 upscale homes in a Grand Island subdivision. Elliot Lasky, president of Forbes Homes, originally submitted plans for the houses to be built in 1997, but then withdrew the' plans fearing the threat from the Seneca Nation that they would take property away from island residents. If the new plans are approved, the homes would be built on an empty 75-acre plote of land on the eastern side of Stony Point Road, north of Ransom Road. They are expected to sell for approximately $200,000. "There has been a lot of confusion as to where these houses would be built," said Town Supervisor Peter McMahon. "Actually it is more closer to Huth Road than Ransom Road, right by the S-curves." Forbes Homes of Amherst decided to reintroduced its housing development plans because of speculation that the Seneca Nation's land claim for Grand Island would be lifted by the government in January. However, before plans are confirmed, the town board must approve a request by Forbes to turn over 39 acres of land to the town in lieu of paying $26,000 in fees. The developer has offered to provide the town 38.8 acres of land in , lieu oflpaying a $500-per-lot recreation fee charged by the town for all new subdivisions. The 38.8 acres of land being offered by Forbes would include some wetlands and space for a future town parkway. The Planning Board and the Commission for the Conservation of the Environment will also get a chance to voice their opinions. However, in the end it is the town board that will determine the outcome.As of press time, it was too early to get a definite answer, but McMahon told the Dispatch that the conservation commission had met Tuesday and an answer could come soon. There is a chance it could appear on Monday's town board meeting agenda, although it will probably be reviewed on Aug. 20. continued on page 2dP continued on page 2 ISP Week at a Glance Sunday Annual Car Wash Fundraiser Grand Island High School Cheerleaders Tops Supermarket parking lot 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor Evening Band Concert Rotary Gazebo, front of Town Hall, 2255 Baseline Rd. Provided by the Grand Island Recreation Department Wednesday Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Ficrnic 2920 Stony Point Rd. 6 p.m. to ??? All are welcome