Island Dispatch, 1989-02-17

              ISLAND DISPATCH Weather THE OLD Farmer's Almanac says: Feb. 18-19: snow, mild. Feb. 20-23: cold, intermitent snow. Feb. 24: snow, cold wave. With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS 35« GRAND ISLAND, NY 14072 • 773-7676 24 PAGES VOL. 45 NO. 49 • Feb. 17,1989 Robot Visits After Schoolers At Huth Children attending the YWCA after school program held at Huth Road Elementary School were visited by Tom Hinchey and his robot, "Officer Friendly" this week. Amanda James, pictured above, was surprised when the robot began talking to her after his regular program which was sponsored by Tops Supermarkets and their "Accent on Youth" program. "Officer Friendly" gave reminders on safety emphasizing the importance of saying no to strangers. The YWCA after school program is held at both Huth Road and Kaegebein Elementary Schools from 3-6 P.M. on school days and is available for all school age children. Further information about the program can be obtained by calling Connie Downing, program director at 822-1808. PhoU, by Mwjr Suwwt Trianda Speaks Out On Green Space PLANNING Board Chairman John Trianda, guest speaker at the February meeting of the Republican Women's Club, emphasized mainly that "we have to make sure at this time that some green space is left undeveloped so we will continue to see birds and wildlife on Grand Island." Recalling that he had addressed the club at a meeting "about 20 years ago," Trianda said ideas discussed then indicated "what we all wanted to see incorporated in the town master plan and ordinances." "We did not want to see existing homes and businesses burdened with unreasonable demands; we expected new development to be orderly and good quality," he said. Contending that in the past 20 years, population has almost doubled, he said town plans and ordinances have also undergone changes that were made to meet changing circumstances and conditions. "However, certain basic concepts are as necessary and as true now as they were years ago if we want to keep the Island a desirable, rural suburban community," he maintained.He recommended preserving development densities specified in the zoning ordinances, open space areas to reduce density and "to make sure parks and green areas are provided.'' Further contending that there has been pressures to bear to accept fees in lieu of open space when subdivisions are approved, Trianda noted that such money can be allocated to other purposes than acquiring green areas. "It will be a small solace to coming generations who have to live in postage stamp shaped subdivisions where in 1989 we secured thousands of dollars in lieu of some open space," he said. Trianda also touched on plans for business and industrial areas and the 1987 updating of requirements for such planning. "A better appearance for our business area is to the advantage of all of us," he said, pointing out the updated law calls for no less than 12 percent of the site to be landscaped. "This may seem to be an imposition but indirectly owners do profit from requirements that improve the general appearance of business and industrial development," he concluded. MEK Monday Holiday ALL GRAND Island public schools and town offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of Washington's Birthday. I H^_^aa_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_M y>i im»_i