Island Dispatch, 2001-12-21

              Island DISPATCH Helping Others In Time of Need . Paa.e 3 Holiday Gifts From the Heart Page 7 The Farmer's! Almanac j predicts: ] I Snow & Cold /. - ■-■ ('. - ■■ i ■> - Ph0ne:(716)773-7676 • 1 a\: <716) 773-7190 • K-Mail; M-l'NfwsO'aoLconi Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage 57 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District Vol. 57 No. 43 Ih.coniher2l.2ool * 20 Pages 65 c New York Thruway Authority completes Buckhorn Park Project photos and story by Jon Sandino It took a little more then a year, but the New York Thruway Authority announced completion of a $50,000 improvement project at Buckhorn State Park during a news conference at the park, on .Friday. Dec. 14. Representatives from the Thruway Authority, state and federal agencies and Grand Island were on hand for the event. "Gov. Pataki and the Thruway Authority are pleased to announce the completion of this important environmental enhancement, which provides an observation station popular with bird watchers and local visitors," said New York Thruway Authority Executive Director John Piatt. "We would like to thank the thruway crews in the Buffalo Division who participated in making Buckhorn Park-Eagle Overlook improvements possible." With the completion of the project comes a newly paved public parking lot, a canoe/kayak launch and an eagle overlook. The launch will provide public access to the Niagara River. The authority was able to complete the project with the help of the New York State Office of Parks, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. "Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Pataki and our partnership with the Thruway Authority and other agencies, these improvements to Buckhorn State Park will help protect this unique environment," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. She added, "With the successful completion-of this project, we can now provide increased opportunities for bird watching and offer patrons greater convenience and access to the water for their recreational needs." Councilwoman Mary Cooke, far right; Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, next to Cooke; and Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon were on hand for the news conference and ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition to the public canoe/kayak launch, individuals can use the overlook to view Eagles at Buckhorn State Park now. \  :  •:  ;  ;  ;  ;  \  .  i  i  1"  :  ;  ?  I  j  TELL SANTA WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE - Last Friday, there was n Santa Ciaus spotting on Grand Island. Joliy Old Saint Nick made a social stop at Grand Island Town Hall. A line full of children had their lists ready for Santa. Pictured above, Katherine Czamart tells Santa what she wants tor Christmas, (photo by Jon Sandino) Bid for Mesmer Airport tabled, Heftka wraps up service to board by Jon Sandino The Grand Island Town Board tabled a resolution on Monday, Dec. 17 to issue a special-use permit for a private airport on Love Road. The petition, submitted by Robert Mesmer, that would allow him to use up to two private planes at 2548 Love Rd., was unanimously voted to be tabled. Board members feel the petition should be reviewed further before a decision was .made. The petition was recommended for denial by the town of Grand Island Planning Board. The board met in front of standing room only crowd. Many of whom attended solely for this issue. "We have a petition here signed by 60 or 70 people... a lot of them don't even live in that area and they are concerned with safety," said Island resident Ann Marie Schneider. "With the events of Sept. 11, anytime I see an aircraft it makes me wonder for the safety of all residents of Grand Island and Niagara Falls. I think you should oppose the airstrip." "My major issue is safety, especially since the Sept. 11 attacks," said Island resident Jeanette Judd. "Who can promise Grand Island security? Will we be safe with an airstrip that is so close to the border?"Judd added, "Plus with these little planes, they are not safe. Not only on the ground, but the people in them." There were even requests from residents for the board not to grant one man (Mesmer) his dream, because it will be everybody else's nightmare. A decision is. expected near the end of next month at the earliest. Soluri Appointed Approximately one month ago, Town Supervisor Peter McMahon made a motion to appoint Chris Soluri as a part-time police officer on Grand Island. After a 10-minute conversation, the majority of the board decided to withhold the appointment and interview any other individual interested in the position. During Monday's, meeting, McMahon once again made a motion to appoint Soluri. Councilman Richard Crawford Jr. attempted to table McMahon's motions. The table was seconded by Councilwoman Mary Cooke. However, the motion to table lost 3-2.. The vote to appoint Soluri then took place, and passed 3-2. Cooke and Crawford voted "no." "I just want to say my "no" vote is in no way a reflection of Chris Soluri's abilities or perceived performance on the job so far or his future performance," Cooke said. "I agree with Councilman Crawford that there are other issues at hand. Mr. Soluri is already provisionally in this position, and it would absolutely affect the schedule in no way if we did nothing tonight and waited to discuss this further. That is the reason why I voted against it." Public Hearings There were two public hearings on Monday's agenda. The first pertained to the Grand Island Fire Company's contract for 2002. Nobody spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing. The second hearing dealt with the mining overlay district for the continued onpage 12 *3P continued on page 12 tW EXTENDED HOURS: Thurs-Sun lOam-lOpm a , r, J*, Mon 12/24 9-5, Wed 12/26 9-9 . 4 ™™Christina^ Convenient9 Close by 9 Comfortable  Plenty of Well Lighted Parking Available  cathg ft jims *~flffig New Year's ivi Specials (for 1) Del l| Herb .n«pH»*«i4iinicfc^ppi«4e» R*=* _ fra 11 f f\ t &_*/„*_. _«■» -Surf &Turf (12 oz. prime rib & 7 o_. sfS|S95 ,™. T"l V7r « L. lobster tail) salad, ML of champagne »« 1270 Baseline Road (Corner of Love Rd.) Since 1947