Some silver linings to old troubles

December 30, 2023

Common themes continued to dominate the news landscape of Chautauqua County for 2023. Here is a look back at some of the monthly issues that made headlines – sometimes all too often – in our region. — January — The topic of urban renewal in the 1960s in Dunkirk is one that remains bitter. At a council meeting, a former Lake Shore Drive property owner believes property acquisition then was wrongly done. “The city … was to maintain ownership as any property acquired through eminent domain was to be for public use, not a private business,” Fiore Conti wrote. “Now the ...

Newsmaker of the month: Village attorney costs may spike again

November 25, 2023

Community members are very aware of the water problems that plague the village of Fredonia. They are not, however, cognizant of legal issues that continue to mount against the municipality. Within the last three months, three lawsuits have been filed against the entity. It is far from good ...

Newsmaker of the month: STEL has solid track record for project

October 29, 2023

Southern Tier Environments for Living appears ready to tackle one of its biggest projects in decades: the old Silver Creek school building that not only is an eyesore, but a potential hazard to those in the neighborhood. Last week, Allen Handelman with Park Grove Realty in Rochester and ...

Newsmaker of the month: Marina sinking lake momentum

October 1, 2023

As the city of Dunkirk continues to map a plan for its $10 million Downtown Reinvestment Initiative that it was awarded by state Gov. Kathy Hochul in January, a major piece of its future remains in limbo. Since July, when current marina leaseholder Peter Smith was charged in two separate ...

Newsmaker of the month: ‘Fighting’ in village has festival’s future in question

August 27, 2023

Downtown Fredonia is hopping this weekend. Much of the credit for the excitement, enthusiasm and energy goes to the Festivals Fredonia group and Mark Mackey — all of whom are volunteers. This year’s event, which fills Barker Common and Day Street, is the 55th edition. What happens next ...

Newsmaker of the month: Excuse of inflation adds to runaway spending

July 30, 2023

When it comes to inflation, it is a love and hate relationship for municipal governments. In budget preparations, elected officials always note that annual expenses will have to be adjusted higher due to the rate of inflation. In the meantime, revenues also rise as a larger tax burden is ...