Pictured is a proposed rendering of the amphitheater for Memorial Park.

Two veterans criticized plans for an amphitheater in Dunkirk’s Memorial Park at the most recent Common Council meeting.

Zakery DeLong, an auxiliary member of Disabled American Veterans’ Dunkirk chapter, was first to speak.

“Memorial Park is a sacred place for every veteran and service member in Dunkirk, New York, and should not be used for anything besides a sacred place for those who have fought and died for our country and our community,” he stated.

DeLong referred to “an apparent signed letter that the mayor had received from the veterans approving of the plans…(but) on further investigation with those who hold office in varying groups that make up the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council, it has been found that no meeting nor input from any member was sought out besides Jack Hood, the second in command (of the veterans council).” Hood signed the letter.

DeLong later added, “There are many locations in this great city that could serve the same purpose but be much more respectful locations in the eyes of the veteran community.” He suggested Point Gratiot Park and vacant land near the Clarion Hotel as sites that could host an amphitheater.

The city uses Memorial Park for festivals and occasionally moves Music on the Pier to it. “Holding events there is not the issue,” DeLong said. “The usage isn’t the issue. It’s the permanent structure that will be taking away from the importance of the land they are sitting on.”

Former city Councilman Richard Makuch also spoke against an amphitheater in Memorial Park. Makuch has long been active in local veterans organizations.

“We would still like to emphasize Memorial Park as sacred ground,” said Makuch. “We agree you need an amphitheater, we do agree on that, but the location is kind of iffy for us, and I hope you appreciate our emphasis on this.”

City officials responded to DeLong and Makuch later in the meeting.

Mayor Kate Wdowiasz said the city started the amphitheater project in 2023, prior to her administration. She confirmed that the city has the letter of support that DeLong referred to, signed and received in November 2023.

“This has been a project that has been in process for quite a long time,” Wdowiasz said. A recent Common Council resolution regarding the amphitheater is strictly for the design phase, she added, emphasizing that the structure will not be near the monuments at the center of Memorial Park. Rather, it is slated for the east side of the park, the side closest to the marina.

Wdowiasz stated that not only veterans, but the entire public, will have input on the project.

Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak subsequently said that state law requires the consultation of veterans groups when war memorial properties are altered. She suggested that the Dunkirk Joint Veterans Council host a community forum about the project.

Councilman Frank Torain said the amphitheater should be dedicated to veterans.

“I’m a veteran, and you guys know that,” he said to DeLong and Makuch. “I’m seeing where you’re coming from. My idea is, if we move forward with it, dedicate it to the veterans. Use it as a way of celebrating the veterans, dedicate it so we know it’s another piece (of Memorial Park) for the vets.”