Published: July 18, 2008 01:09 pm            

CHEERS & JEERS: Wow. Lockport is on a roll. The announcement this week that the city is closer to its goal of building an ice rink/recreational facility was even better news than that of the Molson Canal Concert Series.

CHEERS



• LOCKPORT ARENA: Wow. Lockport is on a roll. The announcement this week that the city is closer to its goal of building an ice rink/recreational facility was even better news than that of the Molson Canal Concert Series. The potential economic impact of the arena is much higher than the concerts. Both are great announcements or additions, but we see the arena as a major economic boost. Considering the number of hockey nuts in this area, and the need for a wintertime attraction, this is a huge feather in the cap of city and state officials. Congratulations and keep up the good work.





• AES CHANCES: Most would think NRG Huntley’s lost bid to produce a clean-coal plant in Tonawanda is bad news. And it is. But Jon Reimann of AES Somerset said his plant would be very interested in the clean coal plant project. AES submitted a bid for the project in October 2006, but lost to the NRG proposal. Reimann said AES still believes it has a good site for a clean coal plant and offers affordable energy. “We continue to stand behind our bid,” he said. “We have had no contact with the Power Authority, but if NYPA were to ask, we would certainly be interested.” Don’t wait for them to come to you, go out and get it.



• BAT VISIT: Niagara Falls got a special visit from two pretty cool vehicles — and one pretty cool guy this past Sunday. Drumming up interest for the newest Batman film “The Dark Knight” — as if it needs any more hype — Niagara Falls State Park hosted Batman’s Bat-Pod and Tumbler from the film. Also on hand was Moses Paskowitz, an operator and expert on the two unique vehicles. “The reaction we get from people from 5 to 55 is the same,” Paskowitz said, “everyone loves Batman.” So on Sunday lucky tourists got a look at the natural wonder of the falls and the man-made wonder of Hollywood all in the same spot. Pretty cool.





JEERS



• CASINO LEGAL FUND: Speaking of city funds, call us crazy but it seems like a pretty big deal when Niagara Falls officials set aside half a million dollars for something — we all know the shape the Falls is in. But that’s exactly what happened this week as the council voted to have $500,000 ready for expert legal representation if there’s some kind of suit involving the Seneca Niagara Casino — as there was with the Buffalo casino. If it happens here it could end up involving some pretty expensive legal bills for the city. Remember when everyone was telling us what a great benefit the casino would be to the city?

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.