Island Dispatch, 2004-02-06

              Island  DISPATCH The Official Newspaper of the Town of Grand Island and the Grand Island School District 24 .'.."cs Plus \nKiicaii I'mlllc $1.00 Contour Financial Planning Opens Page 3 Founded 1944 • Complete Community Coverage Fun at St Stephens Page 8 The Farmer's Almanac predicts: j Rain & Ice j \ hiiriviti: ' : duck! he '. j wt a'lhcr on p» J- Phone: (716)773-7676 Fa\: (716) 773-7190 - E-Mail: NFPNews@clniail.com i 59 Years As the Voice of Grand Island Award Winning Newspapers Vol. 59 No. 4S _F_brimr> 6. 2004 GI athletes awarded full scholarships to top universities photos and story  by Lisa Ariganello  Grand Islanders should be proud to have two star athletes representing their community as well as the Buffalo area. Grand Island High School seniors Brett Kern and Corrine Razem have both been awarded full athletic scholarships to top universities in the nation. After a long decision-making process, the students narrowed it down to the schools of their choice and officially signed "letters of intent" last Wednesday in the high school library. Soccer Star With proud parents, students and staff members on hand, top state soccer goalie Razem told the Dispatch about her visits to schools around the country, in hopes to find one that "was not too big and had a lot to offer." "I visited Mississippi State, Illinois State, and University of Massachusetts, but Gardner/Webb University (in North Carolina) was my top choice," Razem said. "It was smaller than the rest and I really liked the location." Razem did not have to go out of her way to be noticed out on the soccer field. Her stats say it all. After being selected to play goalie for the third team All-State, university coaches were practically banging down her door. "I sent e-mails to coaches telling them that I was interested." Razem said. "Some came to watch me play, then it was up to them to contact me if they were interested." There is a rule that the coaches cannot contact potential candidates until after June 1. "So after June 1, I got a lot of calls," she said. Future Goals Razem loves to play soccer, but she has no plans to do it professionally."I'm not set on playing (soccer) for money. I want to do something in business," she said. . And it makes sense, considering she will major in marketing at Gardner/Webb. But for now she will stick to playing soccer; athletic training at Gardner/Webb starts in August. Grand island's Brett Kern shown in action last fall. (Dispatch file photo) Comne Razem (front, center) signs a letter of intent for a full athletic scholarship to Gardner/Webb University in North Carolina. (From left) Athletic director Jon Roth, and coaches Peter Prozik and Dave Bowman show their support. Also pictured are members of the high school Lady Vikings soccer team Fuccillo's expansion plans move forward by Lisa Ariganello  During the regular Monday evening work session, the Grand Island Town Board gave the Fucciilo auto group conceptual approval for the relocation of local wetlands, to accommodate the autopark expansion project. Fucciilo attorney Robert Scalione explained that during the initial construction of the Chevrolet facility, the Fucciilo group created 4.6 acres of mitigation wetlands to comply with state regulations. During the initial building process, Fucciilo representatives made an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers that they would not con| struct on the wetland areas. Environmental Impact However, the most recent project site for a new Toyota -facility has crossed the barrier on this territory; plans for a parking lot and other amenities for the autopark have spread into protected environmental areas. The Fucciilo group is permitted to construct on this land on one condition: They are responsible for replacing the wetlands in another location on Grand Island to make up for the lost land. Out of 4.6 acres of wetlands, approximately 2.5 acres will be impacted by construction. State law would require the wetlands to be replaced on a 3-1 ratio, meaning that Fucciilo would have to create a total of 7.65 acres of wetlands, as opposed to the 2.5 acres that were impacted. However, Fucciilo is in the process of trying to get the ratio reduced. According to Scalione, the cost for this project is $21,000 per acre. Where To Relocate The Fucciilo group has come across an additional problem - they do not have any extra space to situatesituate the new wetlands. Supervisor Pete McMahon informed the Fucciilo group that the town has a 270-acre parcel of land along the east river that currently has DECapproved wetlands on site, and this spot would be suitable for Fuccillo's wetlands. Scalione informed board members that this additional work would bring no cost to the town. He requested that the town adopt a resolution to allow Fucciilo to create up to 7.65 acres of mitigation wetlands, and in turn, the dealership will contribute $25,000 toward a required archaeological study. Since the Town Board only meets once during the month of February, Scalione requested immediate action on this matter, to allow construction on Alvin Road to commence as soon as March 1. Town Attorney Peter C. Godfrey prepared a resolution, which will allow Fucciilo to submit a permit application to the Army Corp. of Engineers. Town Board Meeting As part of the regular town board continued on page 17 US' continued on page 10b^ Rnd out everything you need to know about {Sl>) Niagara Frontier Publications of'ivem Get everything from company history to advertising information S aoe SateS Island Dispatch • Grand Island Penny Saver • Niagara-Wheaifieid Tribune • Lewiston-Porter Sentinel Gar ciaSSifieds www.tvnypaperg.com AnSQZI*ts j At a Glance | I Tuesday 1 j Safehomes Meeting j 1 Grand Island Memorial Library 1 i| Community Room - I 1 1715 Bedell Road I I 6:30 p.m. 1 | Wednesday. § \ Grand Island Women's Club | Monthly luncheon 1 Seneca Niagara Casino 1 | Thunder Falls Buffet j Meet at Island Burger King at 11 f a.m. j For more information call 773-1388 I For a complete listing of area 1 events, visit NFP's Web site at I www.wnypapers.com j Naomi shares her life lessons in Addition \_v §*(&„ I ToNaomiJuddJivtogthegoodJifethesedayshaslittleto \ 1 ~* *jffc ! do with the fame and fortune that came with being half of rL-./H? I ' r ■ *. vL. the country duo The Judds. Rather, according to Judd.lt has \ t5l , everything to dp with the choices under our control. _=====~=__M=P3- I_. I