NEW WEBSITE

WAKEUP NIAGARA HAS MOVED TO AN OFFICIAL WEBSITE!!!! PLEASE VISIT US NOW AT HTTP://WWW.WAKEUPNIAGARAFALLS.COM

August 30th USA Niagara Development Corporation Meeting

Empire State Development broadcasts its meetings ONLINE for the public to listen in; this is something Niagara Falls City Council needs to increase their effort in. The government should work toward developing a transparent relationship with the community and towards increasing a larger awareness of public issues.

Value of Civic Centers as Great Public Spaces

"Civic spaces are an extension of the community. When they work well, they serve as a stage for our public lives. If they function in their true civic role, they can be the settings where celebrations are held, where social and economic exchanges take place, where friends run into each other, and where cultures mix. They are the “front porches” of our public institutions – post offices, courthouses, federal office buildings – where we can interact with each other and with government. When cities and neighborhoods have thriving civic spaces, residents have a strong sense of community; conversely, when such spaces are lacking, people may feel less connected to each other. Great civic spaces are really great public places. They are recognized and valued in their cities and towns as places with their own special flavor that relate to and nurture the larger community and bring the public together.The rewards of transforming a civic space into a great public place go way beyond just the space, although the place in itself enriches the lives of its users and enhances its surrounding buildings and neighborhood. Great public places contribute to community health – whether socially, economically, culturally or environmentally. They add enhancement to the civic realm – not only visually, but also in providing a sense of character and a forum for public activities. They can be anchors for downtowns and communities, acting as focal points for definition and foundations for healthy growth".  - Project for Public Spaces

In 1967 discussions began for the new construction of a new public library to replace the Carnegie Library that had served the Niagara Falls community for over 70 years. During the 1960s, numerous proposals were tossed around discussing where the new library should be located; locations downtown and Main Street led the ballot. According to the Niagara Falls Comprehensive Plan of 1966 – 1986, a location proximate to City Hall would be extremely more convenient for library visitors and would not add to downtown congestion during peak tourism season. Several sites near the current city hall location were mentioned but concerns arose over the land acquisition costs associated with such a premier location. There were even suggestions that a new City Hall be built as part of a larger civic center. In 1967, Peter Dicamillo proposed that a new City Hall be erected north of Pine Ave, east of Main St, and west of 7^th Ave; the old City Hall building could be used as a library. Obviously, no such proposal was ever acted on and the Earl W. Brydges library designed by architect Paul Rudolph opened on March 9, 1974 at 1425 Main Street; a considerable distance from the proposed civic center adjacent to City Hall. 

Holiday Spirit in Niagara Falls ... or Lack thereof

Photo By James Neiss

There's nothing quite like the experience you get when you step onto Old Falls Street in downtown Niagara Falls. Immediately upon entering from either terminus, you are overwhelmed with an absolutely stunning vista of the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel or the Niagara Falls State Park and Skyline Tower depending on your vantage point. It’s almost as though the urban fabric of adjacent buildings frame the silhouette of the towering Seneca Niagara Hotel. Proceeding down the street under the eloquently lit tree line you are welcomed by the subtle jingle of holiday music. The melody of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” continues to faintly play in the distance before being interrupted by gracious vendors who have loyally occupied the market despite having business slowed by unfavorable weather. Inside their traditional village houses are an assortment of magnificent little trinkets sure to make any loved one gleam with approval. Just a short walk away is the marvelously lit Christmas tree commanding gawks of astonishment before the slashing of ice skates steals the shows away. The Blue Cross Blue Shield ice rink rings with excitement as visitors of all ages delight during their time on Old Falls Street … sadly later they’ll be outright disappointed by the lack of holiday activities elsewhere. 

Mother Nature's Gift in Our Backyard

     Amidst the vacant structures, struggling businesses, and the dilapidated homes is something many of us all too often forget. Something so great and beautiful that  it still attracts millions of tourists here despite the city's economic woes. We, the citizen's of Niagara Falls, often overlook this majestic natural wonder in our backyard and take for granted our location at an incredible heritage rich location. Niagara Falls is OURS not the tourists ... Make it your New Year's resolution to visit Niagara Falls State Park and the Niagara Gorge more this year and see just exactly why so many people make this their vacation destination!

Click HERE to see more gorgeous pictures of Niagara Falls & the Niagara Gorge!

Alicia Liable for City Council

“My goal is to partner with the current administration so we can create this kind of professionalism where small businesses do thrive. I’m not just going to block something just because it’s from the mayor, I think we all need to work together"

     If this was Alicia Liable's only comment during the recent public candidate forum I'd be sold already. Niagara Falls needs a core of officials willing to put aside their personal grudges and political differences and actually work for the people of the city. Alicia Liable brings an open-mind and a willingness to listen to what the public has to say. Her background in political science and urban planning paired with her ambition create an interesting dynamic that the other candidates lack. It's about time we elect some young uncorrupted minds and change the status quo many of the incumbents are far too comfortable with in Niagara Falls.  

ALICIA LIABLE FOR CITY COUNCIL!

Crossing the Line: Tenant Rights

I'll make the assertion from personal experience and reasonable cause that tenant rights are continuously violated. If you or someone you know think their their rights may have been or are being violated please contact the local housing authority to report your complaint.

If you're unsure what your rights are and would like to know more information, please click this link:

Tenants Rights Guide

Imagining the Future of the Niagara Hotel

     Over the last few months the Niagara Hotel also known as Hotel Niagara has been headlining local development news. The latest development in its long history is the transfer of ownership rights to Harry Stinson (Toronto Real Estate Developer) through an arrangement with Jamal Kara, the Vancouver developer who submitted the winning $1.25 million bid.

     Stinson's most prominent development of late is a 51 story hotel and condominium combination located at 1 King Street, Toronto, Canada. Many critics claimed that this structure was physically impossible to construct due to the dimensions of which make it incredibly narrow. However, Stinson defied the critics and in 2005 completed the building in the heart of Toronto's financial district. 
    Having already done the so called "Impossible" in Toronto, will Harry Stinson be able to do what many prospective developers have failed at doing in the heart of downtown Niagara Falls? Well it seems so. Hotel Niagara is already be heavily advertised to prospective investors according to Stinson Development's website. It appears that he is beginning to harness the potential of recent developments in Downtown Niagara Falls and leverage them for further investment. Here is an example from his website referencing the opportunities the soon to be completed Niagara County Community College Culinary Institute creates:


"The (‘off-season’) accommodation needs of the College provide an ideal balance for our cash flow. The Hotel Niagara offers an affordable option for students and staff who prefer privacy, security and convenience (and appreciate that we enforce higher standards)."

     It seems the use of public dollars to finance and subsidize recent developments is beginning to finally pay off. If the Hotel Niagara prospective development is any sign of the future to come, we have a lot to look forward to. Let's all hope for a completed project this time around! Good Luck Harry Stinson ... If you actually complete this project you may be just as glorious and famous as Hotel Niagara!

Check Out This Website By Stinson Development Showcasing The Hotel Niagara