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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: Senior housing a need for the area

One recently discussed project that makes sense for the city of Dunkirk involves a proposal that was put forth last month. During a Dunkirk Common Council Economic Development Committee meeting, Arthur Page talked about senior housing at the former Marsh Valve site on Brigham Road. Page envisions three apartment buildings, each with eight two-bedroom housing units. The parcel abuts railroad tracks, but Page said the buildings would be placed as far from them as possible. He spoke of putting “significant money into landscaping to try to buffer the sound.” The Dunkirk Local ...

COUNTY: Legislator’s focus rightly on the jobs

County Legislator Fred Larson asked a good question last week - what exactly is the county Planning Department planning if it isn’t worried about dealing with two of the most pressing issues facing Chautauqua County? We’re talking, of course, about job creation and boosting the county economy. Larson took issue with a 40-minute presentation by county Planning Department officials that was long on what the department did in 2024. The list is fairly long — completion of four plans and studies; administration of 12 mandatory projects, boards, and committees; and 13 community ...

COUNTY: Another route with the sales tax

County legislators took a good first step last week when they choose to discuss increasing the way a percent of the county’s sales tax is distributed. Chautauqua County’s sales tax rate is currently 8%. Every two years the county legislature must request the state Legislature give permission for the county’s sales tax to be higher than 7%. The most recent authorization is set to expire Dec. 1. Of the additional 1% the county collects in sales tax, 85% of those funds go to the county, while 15% go to the local municipalities. Most county lawmakers last week agreed with Fred ...

DUNKIRK: Understanding pain in tax hikes

Within weeks, city of Dunkirk property owners will be receiving a rude awakening. That unthinkable 84% tax hike will arrive as reality. That’s a lot of pain for a community that has a poverty rate of 25%. Even residents who do not own property will be impacted in some way. Rental rates will be rising — and some may just decide to move out of the city. Dunkirk City Schools, as another taxing entity, understands the importance of the issue. During a meeting last month with a fiscal consultant, it was announced that the district will try for a zero-tax hike. “Part of my job is ...

Police: ‘Shortage’ another reason to merge

One more case was made for the possible consolidation of the largest north county Police Departments. In making his plea to village trustees, Chief David Price talked about the lack of candidates for open positions. “I’m not asking for additional staff, and I’m below where we were 10 years ago,” he said. “There are no part time positions available anymore, and that’s because of a nationwide policing shortage (that) hit our county really bad.” The police chief continued, “If we fail to do something, it will be a year and half before we even have an opportunity to hire. ...

New York: Supply limits add to salt shortage

It turns out President Donald Trump doesn’t have the market cornered on protective trade policies. Back in 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the New York State Buy American Salt Act, a bill sponsored by Sen. John Mannion in the state Senate and Assemblyman Harry Bronson in the state Assembly. It wasn’t terribly controversial at the time — even Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, voted in favor of the bill in the Senate, though Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, voted against the bill in the Assembly in a 136-14 vote. “With the Buy American Salt Act, we are helping State and ...