Island Dispatch, 1993-09-10

              ISLAND DISPATCH Recycle Your Old Telephone Books Containers are available at the Highway Garage on Whitehaven Rd. today thru Sept. 20. SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716)773-7676 50tf 32 PAGES VOL. 50 • NO. 23 SEPT. 10, 1993 Town To Explore Tax Exemption Bill A NEW slate law that allows property tax exemptions for capital improvements of existing homes is being explored by the town. The town board Tuesday in a resolution presented by Councilwoman Marion P. Fabiano, directed the town attorney and tax assessor to research the bill which, in part, permits localities to grant an eight-year property exemption for home improvements. The law, which limits improvement exemptions to $80,000, allows towns to lower the limit to $5000. It also permits counties and school districts to opt out of allowances granted by a city, town or village. A public bearing will necessarily precede any action by the local town board. MEK Old & New Students Celebrate GI Middle School's Opening Day Wednesday wasn't only the first day of the 1993-94 school year at Grand Island Middle School, it marked the first day of the 25th year for the school Principal Agnes Becker welcomed not only this year's students but a student from 25 years, John Posluszny, who returned to Grand Island in 1984 after working in the state of Washington and Texas. His two daughters are now enrolled in the Middle School, Sara in seventh grade and Grace in sixth grade. Two sons, David and Richard are at Huth Road Elementary. The Middle School concept began in 1968 with shared facilities in the high school The new building opened in the spring of '69. The Silver Anniversary of the school will be celebrated in many special ways throughout the year. Photo by Barbi Lara Isle Real Estate Okay In Face Of Seneca Lawsuit ACCORDING to Supervisor James Pax, the Seneca Nation Lawsuit shouldn't disrupt Isle real estate business. "We have been advised that the Monroe Title Insurance Corp. will continue to provide title insurance to protect against any alleged title claim the Seneca Nation may have to Grand Island," he stated. Legal proceedings have commenced in Us Federal Court naming New York State, Erie County and six private property owners as defendants in the Seneca claim that New York Slate's purchase of Grand Island in 1815 was invalid because it was not ratified by the US government. New York State, through the office of the Attorney General, will be defending the action. Pax stated he "is working closely with the governor's office to make sure this entire matter is resolved as quickly as possible with no adverse impact on the town's citizens." Pax fully expects that NYS and the federal government will protect the interests of the people of Grand Island and its business community. According to four of the town's leading realtors, the Seneca lawsuit has failed to put a damper on the purchase or sale of Island property. "I haven't noticed any change," John McCarthy of Century 21 said when asked about the current sales. "We are just going along as usual." Advertisements for homes continue to draw the same amount of interest from potential buyers, be said. Andy Lichtenthal and Floyd Doring of Doring Real Estate claim August was a profitable one for their company. "And we expect another one (like it) in September," Lichtenthal said with emphasis. Ilona Lang, longtime involved in the sale of commercial as well as residential property, mentioned the present need for title insurance policies for purchasers and lenders. "It protect* the new owner as well as the banks," she added. "But I don't think it (the lawsuit) has hurt (the market)," she said. Roscmarie Ziehm, who also has years of experience in selling homes on Grand Island, expressed confidence in the title insurance and indicated the lawsuit has not caused loss of sales. Similar Indian lawsuits are said to typically ask for return of land but almost all have resulted in large monetary settlements. And that could well be the result in the current legal battle being waged here. County Executive Dennis Gorski is said to have described the Indian claim as "blackmail." Congressman John LaFalce referred to it as "somebody seeking an opportunity for a fast buck." Islanders approached for comment voiced similar opinions. Town Vote May Decide Games Of Chance Law THE TOWN ballot in November may include voting on a referendum which, if approved, would create a Games of Chance Licensing Law here. Requested by seven Grand Island organizations is a public hearing to consider placing a referendum to that effect on the 1993 election ballot. The town board Monday authorized Attorney Will Wiles to inform the groups about the petition method required for voting on the issue "as soon as possible." Those requesting the referendum, are: Royal Order of the Moose, Knights of Columbus, Fire Company, Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rod & Gun Club and Sheridan Transit Rod & Gun Club on Ransom Road. WEATHER: The Old Farmer's Almanac says • September 10-13: Sunny, warm. September 14-16: Rain, heavy east; cool. September 17t Rain, colder. .