MIDDLEPORT: Revitalization plan is in the works

By Bill Wolcott<br><a href="mailto:wolcottb@gnnewspaper.com">E-mail Bill</a>
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

July 02, 2008 02:01 am

— MIDDLEPORT — The village midway between Rochester and Niagara Falls is putting together plans to be revitalized and has hired a pro to be a catalyst.
Mayor Julia A. Maedl met Spiros Antoniadis of Corporate Properties while his New York City company was working successfully on a Front Royal, Va., project two years ago. Middleport has since hired Antoniadis to produce an economic development initiative plan for the village.
The plan has been scaled to Middleport and was paid for with grant funding. Antoniadis presented a preview of the plan to the Village Board on June 23. The final presentation is July 21.
“He has spent a lot of time in the village since March and he’s got a good handle on things,” the mayor said. “We don’t expect big business to come here, but want to capitalize on what we have now. We want to zero in on positive qualities.”
Middleport wants to attract tourism and become an incubation site for business. Its history is to be preserved.
“It’s a big plan, very ambitious,” said Dan Dodge, the village coordinator and a Middleport native. “We’ll take a piece at a time. I’m very excited and looking forward to it. It would be wonderful for village.”
Antoniadis recommends that the village maintain and expand existing events. The plan would be to build upon village activities such as the chocolate event, Easter egg hunt, Community Fun Night, fish dinners and car shows.
Middleport should boast itself is a walkable community. “Anything you need or want, you can get in Middleport,” Maedl said. “It’s a well-put-together community.”
Collarless workers, those who can work at home, should be encouraged to make their homes in the place that was named the state’s best town to raise children.
The marina and the Basket Factory is a favorite stopping spot for boaters. The village hopes to expand upon that, and rising gas prices might help.
Boaters will take shorter trips. The speed limit for boats is 25 mph on the canal, and the village is 46 miles from Rochester; that makes Middleport two hours from Rochester.
“Capture the boaters. Get them off their boats,” Antoniadis encouraged. “Capture the cyclists.”
There are new posts on both sides of the dock. Electricity, water and public restrooms are available in a well-maintained, park-like setting.
Middleport is being encouraged to promote the recreational venues. After FMC remediation, a Jeddo Creek Trail System would get listed in trail books.
“I’ve liked his ideas for the village (now) and the village in the future,” said Dodge of Antoniadis. “He has some great ideas.”
Antoniadis suggests Middleport expand and keep its Internet home page up to date. “People will come here if they know it’s happening,” he said.
Service groups can connect, coordinate and cooperate with each other, letting each other know what’s in the works. “Create new festivals. Art shows, concerts, entertainment,” Antoniadis said. “Use the resources that are here.”
The planner sees the Public Works Garage behind the Village Hall as a building that could be renovated for a farmers market, music festivals and meetings.
Niagara Foods is branching out and will start a new processing plant in a new building. The new unit may provide jobs for 40 people. Advertise that, the planner suggested.
Maedl and Dodge are anxious to see the next phase at the July 21 meeting. The village is also applying for more grants — anything that can help.
Contact reporter Bill Wolcott 439-9222, ext. 6246.

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