Tony Farina
Niagara Aerospace Museum Gets Nod Over Centennial Park But Both Worthy
By Tony Farina The Niagara Aerospace Museum planned for downtown Niagara Falls might be the best bet for state investment over Mayor Robert Restaino’s Centennial Park arena project to attract more visitors to the city, but both projects are definitely worthwhile, and both would be of great economic benefit. Both would attract tourists and give people more reasons to spend more time on the American side of the Falls. So the question for leaders in Albany is not whether the state can afford them but rather which project would give the best return for tourist dollars? There is a great
Batavia Downs Summer Concert Series Will be Most Diverse Ever
By Tony Farina As he says in his television commercials, former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, the president and CEO of Batavia Downs, wants folks not just to like coming to Batavia, his new home, he wants them “to love coming here.” And in accordance with that theme, he has given customers what they want when it comes to the Rockin’ the Downs summer concert series, this year offering the most diverse lineup in the concert’s nine-year history. “This year’s seven-show lineup will present artists spanning country, ‘80s rock, classic rock, Motown, and disco—genres our guests have been asking for,” said
Unified Tourism Promotion Should be the Goal For Buffalo and Niagara Falls
By Tony Farina We wrote recently about strength in unity, and we’d like to follow that up in commenting about the region with the idea that unity in tourism promotion between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, or between Erie and Niagara County, would be of great benefit to all, given the natural wonder of the mighty falls and the huge appeal of professional football and hockey in Buffalo. Wouldn’t more cross-town promotion make sense? Unfortunately, the promotion is sometimes more competitive than in harmony, which, if coordinated, would make more sense and perhaps have a broader reach and benefit the two
Electric Power Policy Key to the Future For the City of Niagara Falls
By Tony Farina Three issues could very well decide the future of Niagara Falls, N. Y., when you look past daily headlines and day-to-day political debates. The long-term future comes down to: electric power policy, upstate economic development strategy, and population decline. Those factors will determine whether Niagara Falls remains primarily a tourism city with a shrinking population—or whether it becomes, once again, a place where power fuels industry, technology, and long-term growth. Much of how that future will largely be shaped by policy decisions in Albany. And those decisions will matter for decades. Long before tourism took control, the
The Need for Unity of All Needed to Rebuild Niagara Falls
By Tony Farina We have written a lot about what it would take to help Niagara Falls, N.Y., recapture the glory of past years with jobs that exist year-round with steady pay and career opportunities beyond the tourist trade. We’re talking about industries that operate all year, not just during tourist months. It also means a stable tax base to support police, fire, schools, and public services. Hydropower still exists, meaning new industries can grow here, such as technology facilities, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and clean energy projects, including cooperation between National Grid and the state working together as part of
Shake Off Winter Blues With SoleTurn Concert March 14
By Tony Farina The incredibly talented and creative rock band SoleTurn will perform a very special three-hour concert on Saturday, March 14, beginning at 7 p. m. at the Public House on the Lake at 4914 Lake Shore Rd., in Hamburg. If you like new and re-imagined rock, you’ll love this group as they are among the best in the area, playing to a standing-room only crowd at the Caz in South Buffalo last May for the release of their debut album, the Soundtrack of Our Youth. The group is led by lead vocalist Vik Bhargava and backup singer and
Republicans Gather for Petition Drive Kickoff
By Tony Farina With pizza donated by Little Bakery and the hospitality provided by Wilbur’s pub on Cayuga Dr., Republican candidates and supporters gathered on Saturday afternoon for a petition drive start as the political season now begins in earnest. Petitions must be submitted by April 3, with the primary vote on June 22. Among the endorsed candidates in attendance were Dennis Hannon (Congress); State Sen. Robert Ortt; Becky Wydysh (Assembly); Chris McKinnon (legislature); Sean Mapp (legislature); Robert Petrozzi (legislature); Tim Huether (legislature), Amy Chmiel (coroner), and Kyle Andrews (county treasurer). CPA and former city lawmaker Michael Gawel and McKinnon
New Book Rekindles Connection Between WEBR Radio and Buffalo’s Master Showman
By Tony Farina There’s a simply terrific new book out on one of Buffalo’s most amazing historical figures, Harry Altman, the son of Jewish immigrants who was the amazing showman who dazzled in the 50s and 60s with the Town Casino and the Glenn Park Casino, treasures from Buffalo’s past. The book is titled “Harry Altman, Buffalo’s Master Showman,” and indeed that’s who he was and the book and author, historian Susan Fenster, have caught the attention of Liberty cab and radio entreprenuer Bill Yuhnke because of the connection between the casinos and long standing WEBR Radio, now part of
Political Tensions Changing Border Economy But Also Present Much Opportunity for Future
By Tony Farina Cross-border traffic between the U.S. and Canada is changing as political tension between the two countries continues over trade and tariffs, and the result has seen a decline in crossings on both sides, which in the short term means a change in the cross-border economy and, in some cases, changing habits. The border tensions have prompted some Canadian leaders to encourage Canadians to spend more money at home, and less across the border, and some travelers are choosing to stay in Canada now. That has resulted in fewer shopping trips and fewer visitors coming into Western New
Aerospace Museum Might be a Good Start To Move Niagara Falls in a Better Direction
By Tony Farina It may not be another world wonder, but the idea fomenting these days about the Niagara Aerospace Museum for Niagara Falls, N. Y., is important because it is another way to connect tourism with education, workforce development, and regional identity. With long, cold winters, the reality is that indoor attractions matter, encouraging overnight stays, supporting nearby restaurants and hotels, and creating educational opportunities for local students. Western New York has a long history in aviation, engineering, and manufacturing, and an aerospace-focused attraction fits naturally with this history and is extremely worthy of serious discussion, which we heartily
Two Cities Next to Natural Wonder; One is Thriving, the Other is Not
Two cities share the mighty natural wonder of Niagara Falls, but they differ in many ways, and the stark reality is the city north of the border, Niagara Falls, Ontario, is light years ahead of the city on the American side of the falls, Niagara Falls, N. Y, and the differences are more than just population although the Canadian city has close to 100,000 residents, more than double Niagara Falls, N. Y., which is steadily losing people. Let’s begin by looking at the Canadian city famous for the iconic Niagara Falls, which attracts millions of tourists with attractions like boat
Niagara Falls Must Strike a Better Balance To Move Forward as a City
We all need a healthy balance in life, or success in moving forward will not be possible. Whether playing sports, spending time with family, or working, balance is the key, and that is true beyond individual lives. It is also true when it comes to a city, a state, or a nation. Balance is the key in all of it. No balance, no success. With that premise, let me move to the City of Niagara Falls, N. Y., where a major world attraction and a bustling tourist trade make up so much but like in a successful life, the balance