Legislator Todaro
I hope you are enjoying these last few weeks of summer. It’s hard to believe we will soon be sending our children back for another school year. Summer also means many festivals across Erie County. This year I was happy to be a part of the 46th annual Cheektowaga Polish American Art Festival. It’s a great honor to support the Polish American Congress WNY. The Polish American community is filled with tradition and pride, and the event was a big success.
It is also a great honor to welcome new businesses to the area. Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts opened a new location, and new owners cut the ribbon for Frank’s Bar and Grille in Lancaster. Wayland Brewing and Buffalo Bros Burgers opened their new location in the Village of Lancaster, and there was a groundbreaking ceremony for a new downtown pocket park in the Village of Lancaster.
The community chose a beautiful way to honor the life and legacy of David Bondrow. He was an exceptional leader of the Lancaster Opera House and his commitment to its growth was unmatched. His untimely death saddened all of us, but the tributes, which include David Bondrow Square reflect what he meant to all of us. His memory will continue to live on.
It’s exciting to see that Sealing Devices, Inc., is continuing to expand their Lancaster operations. The Galanis Family have been great community partners for decades.
I had the opportunity to attend the first practice at the new Highmark Stadium. Reviews have been largely positive, and I believe the public will truly enjoy the new home of the Buffalo Bills.
I’m troubled by our state elected leaders, Empire State Development and New York State Homes and Community Renewal who have accepted a 30-year tax break for an out of state company involved with the development of the old Aud site. The project is heavily subsidized, and the Philadelphia based developer walks away with tens of millions in fees. The estimated cost of the project is $225 million with approximately $180 million subsidized to date. Already they have received more than $150 million in tax credits, grants and low interest financing, not to mention that 30-year property tax abatement, which is much longer than most Buffalo projects receive. The people who end up bearing the cost of these developments are Western New Yorkers. You deserve to know the full property tax agreement, how much in taxes over those 30 years we will miss out on, why more local hiring commitments weren’t made, and why there weren’t the public hearings needed to discuss plans for prime real estate. There is a complete lack of transparency and Erie County taxpayers are rightfully angry over this agreement.
I am grateful for the honor of serving you. If you have a county related issue, contact my office at 716-681-2071 or by email at Frank.Todaro@erie.gov You can also stay up to date on the latest in Erie County government by following my Facebook page at Legislator Frank Todaro.
