Island Dispatch, 1993-08-27

              ISLAND DISPATCH  *The Dispatch Has A Temporary New Address: 1854 C Whitehaven Rd. |i (behind Rockwood Bros. Collision) SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 NIAGARA FRONTIER PUBLICATIONS With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716) 773-7676 28 PAGES VOL. 50 • NO. 21 AUG. 27, 1993 Indians Seek To Reclaim Grand Island THE SENECA Nation of Indians Wednesday began legal action aimed at repossessing Grand Island and evicting its property owners. It also wants return of about 300 acres of land on the Cattaraugus Reservation now being used by the New York Thruway. Calling the sale of Grand Island to the State "illegal," the Senecas claim the Thruway property was improperly obtained in 1954 because the transaction was never ratified by the federal government, according to Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder. A Treaty in 1815 noted, in part, that for $1000 paid to the Senecas, Grand Island was "sold, granted and conveyed" to the "people of the State of New York." The document, dated September IS, 1815, further called for the State to pay for the Senecas "annually and forever" $500. This has been paid for the past 178 years, records confirm. A speech by George Washington shortly after the signing of the Trade and Intercourse Act in 1790 is also being used in the Indians' battle for the Island. Defendants in the current suit include the State, County, Thruway Authority and, locally, Moore Business Forms Corp., Inducon, Inc., Ilona Lang, Robert Weaver, Francis B. Pritchard and others. Joseph F. Cranglc is attorney for the Seneca Nation. The 1815 Treaty, on file in Albany, carries the signatures of a number of Indians, by mark, including Red Jacket. It was also signed by Governor Daniel D. Thompkins, Samuel Young, Robert Tilotson, Roger Skinner and others. Not to be overlooked is a clause concerning the sale of "all the Islands in the Niagara River between Lakes Erie and Ontario and within the jurisdiction of the United States" which states, "reserving, however, to the said Chiefs, Sachems and Warriors of the Seneca Nation of Indians equal rights and privileges with the citizens of the United States in hunting, fishing and fowling in and upon the waters of the Niagara River and of encamping on any of the said Island for that purpose whilst the same continue to belong to the people of the State of New York." "Ridiculous" is the word heard most frequently around town in discussions about the Seneca's law suit. Few residents, if any, seem to be taking it seriously. One landowner, however, did inquire at the town hall if he should pay his taxes. Supervisor James H. Pax said he immediately got in touch with the Governor's office when informed of the action. After conferring with a Governor's representative, sent here from Albany Wednesday afternoon, he said the Island will continue to cooperate with the State officials until the matter is resolved in favor of the State and town. Post Office To Close For Repaying WEATHER permitting, the Grand Island Post Office will resurface its front customer parking area on Sunday, August 29. Therefore, the Post Office and parking area will be closed from 6 AM. Sunday, August 29 to 6 AM. Monday, August 30. Rain dates, if necessary, will be Sunday, September 5 and Monday, September 6. A collection box will be placed on Baseline Rd. for deposit of mail during the period of time the parking lot U closed. Expansion In The Works For Golden Age Center CONTRACTS have been let for partial reconstruction and an addition to the Golden Age Center. A $220,000 bond resolution and a $116,000 state grant will finance the work on the building which serves a senior citizen membership of 1,300. Construction of kitchen and roof improvements and partial reconstruction and resurfacing of parking areas are included in the contracts. Golden Age Center Dorothy Rowswell Wednesday recalled she had mentioned to Supervisor James Pax the need for additional space at the 1992 Christmas party for senior citizens. "The limitations of size and configuration of the building hinder proper accommodations of some activities now, and definitely affect future programming opportunities," she reported. Three regularly scheduled classes were being scheduled in a Community Center building, for lack of appropriate space. The kitchen area was designed when the average meal preparation involved 50 diners. Presently, meals for 100 or 150 are often prepared. The day store areas are small and poorly vented. This restricts how much food can be pre-ordcrcd and stored, as the heat of summer produces conditions that are less than desirable. General storage was inadequate. "The original design of this armybarracks renovation had been completed with a membership of 300 people in mind. Current statistics show membership in the Golden Age Club is nearing 1,500 people," she said Wednesday. "With projections of building usage always increasing, it is hoped this major expenditure will favorably impact expansion of services. The original opening of the Center in October of 1975 facilitated a program for 300 members. Current membership involves over 1,300 people. Hopefully the renovations will prove to be monies well spent to improve services focused on the retirement community of Grand Island," Mrs. Rowswell said. Supervisor James Pax, Architect Chuck Moore of Scaffidi <fc Moore and Golden Age Director Dorothy Rowswell go over plans for the Center's expansion. Photo by IJarbr-Lare.