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Playing second fiddle in Dunkirk

In the OBSERVER (Sept. 22), an article headlined “Possibilities” pertaining to the harborfront project said it could be started in two years. Sorry, Kevin Kearns! As reported, the Common Council did approve it. Right?

Since then, much has been done with Dr. Sheri Mason. We believe a grant came through our Sen. Cathy Young! The fight has begun over where this new SUNY lab, boat and museum will go. We searched for a location best suited for the spot, and won’t need so much funding. We went to the Harbor Commission and suggested the “Environmental Conservation Department of Lake Erie Fisheries” is the perfect place with Don Einhouse.

Once, years ago, this building was the Navy Coast Guard building, which closed. Our environmental testing, DEC and EPA took it over and for 30 years has tested our lake water every day for pollution and for fishing tournaments.

Their boat, Argo, is 30 years old, and a much newer one is needed! And the building needs upgrading with a new place for a museum and it’s right across from the Lighthouse and the Veterans’ Museum. What better place for this project?

We have approval from the Army Corps of Engineers. As you know, they will, and are, working with Legislator George Borrello with the dredging, along with Silver Creek at no cost! Thank you, Mr. Borrello!

I must tell you this: years ago, when our past Fredonia State President Dennis Hefner and Congressman Brian Higgins had the celebration at the Incubator on Central Avenue, their other goal was to reopen the old train depot! Do you remember, Mr. Kearns? You were there, that’s when I first met you! Since our new Fredonia State president came in, everything stopped!

I have constantly asked for help in standing behind us in getting other projects done. One was our incubator on Central Ave., and you did nothing to keep it open through SUNY. I finally got to the people, who made it possible to stay open.

What about our Dunkirk Chamber of Commerce? You have taken it to the Route 60 Chautauqua Chamber on JCC property on Route 60, which does nothing to help us. Read these articles in the OBSERVER!

Belonging to the Revitalization of Dunkirk, with a meeting held at the Incubator last week, I questioned Chuck Cornell, the speaker. I asked, “Why is Chautauqua County trying to take everything away from us in the northern end and trying to change our name from Dunkirk to Chadwick Bay?” This must never happen. We have three major infrastructures, I count at least! The NRG plant, our Dunkirk water plant for pure, clean water “a necessity for life” and our Dunkirk airport.

We now need help in finding a location for our Historical Society, which needs a new building on the waterfront. There is a place, check it out. It needs for the brownfield grant to come in and clean it up. It’s a perfect location and the land is something everyone wants. Can’t it stay open? The view to the lake is wonderful and beautiful. Help.

In closing, Mr. Kearns, Mr. Mark Geise, please help us! We are so tired of you both denying us what is the best for Dunkirk.

Thank you and God bless!

Valerie Pawlak is a member of the Great Lakes Council and a Dunkirk resident.

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