At the last city of Dunkirk council meeting was a resident from another municipality who claims to be a previous resident of the city of Dunkirk and owns property in the city. She couldn’t say enough and was giving high praise to this administration for the progress that has been made in the city.

If she thinks there was so much progress in this city, then why doesn’t she move back to the city of Dunkirk and why is she deciding to remain in the village of Fredonia?

Let’s take a hard look at the progress that has been made in the city of Dunkirk. Vacant buildings at Fourth and Central Avenue. An empty lot where the fire was across from City Hall. Third Street is one large parking lot where stores once were located from Central Avenue to Main Street. Central Avenue can be called Freebee Avenue with no stores. No clothing stores in the city.

All the stores are located in the town of Dunkirk, even the new plant is in the town of Dunkirk. Fourth Street once had stores that are gone. At one time, we had clothing stores and various stores so that we didn’t have to go out of town to purchase. Now we may lose our hospital because a bunch of individuals say that the monies derived have to go to a new building, not for remodeling. So add on to the old building. Or won’t those individuals go along with any idea that makes common sense?

Now let’s talk about the progress that has been made in reference to the landlords who own rundown buildings in this city. If you don’t believe me, take a ride down Townsend Street between Talcott and Courtney. Is this what the Fredonia resident meant by progress? Also, how about the new homes that are being built with assistance from the Southern Tier Environments for Living. Are the disabled American veterans going to be eligible for those homes? If not, why not? Are they being considered for those homes or are they only meant for those who want a free ride? The only progress I can see is the pier and for what reason are they taking away those parking spaces that people enjoy at the waterfront? Is this the progress the Fredonia resident was talking about?

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com