On Wednesday morning, in a meeting room with fewer than 10 people and no one from the public, a public hearing was held for a new dental research facility hoping to move into the City of Tonawanda.
Northtowns Oral & Maxillo Facial Surgery, which has facilities in Lockport and Buffalo, has set its sights on constructing two buildings on the lot at 711 Young St. for its new expansion. The stated focus of the facility is working with children — particularly those from low income households or lacking medical insurance — who require upper jaw, facial and dental services. Mayor Ron Pilozzi, the only person to speak at the hearing, said the benefits to at-risk children and the possible technological advancements that could come out of the research and development project fit nicely with the regional effort to become a center for medical care and education.
“With commitments from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, Buffalo General Hospital and the Erie County Medical Center to work with and utilize the services and innovations generated by the OMFS Properties project, collectively our region’s stature as a destination for excellent medical care will take another step forward,” Pilozzi said.
Wednesday’s hearing was held to make the company’s case for Erie County Industrial Development Agency abatements to help finance the $2.3 million cost of the project. The ECIDA is accepting public comments until Jan. 10 and will vote on the measure at its meeting Jan. 11.
Pilozzi said he fully supports the company’s request for assistance and sees even more potential gains for the city than the temporary construction and permanent facility jobs created. Opportunities to manufacture the devices created by the facility and provide related professional services might draw other development to the city, and travelers coming to use the services would likely leave money behind in other ways.
“The economic benefits of individuals traveling to Western New York to use hospitality and restaurant services, to generate additional sales tax revenue and to support existing commercial and retail establishments will be enhanced,” Pilozzi said.
Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.
Local News
CITY OF TONAWANDA: Dental research center eyes city
- Local News
-
-
NY’s firewood quarantine list expanded
Niagara, Erie counties among 16 added to list preventing movement of ash trees.
-
Park outing
SIZZLING: The weather was chilly and a little windy, but that didn’t stop the City of Tonawanda Officials Outing, held Wednesday at Fireman's Park. Early arrivals found Jack O'Connor, left, and Dan Eisenhauer cooking steaks. Meanwhile, folks filed through the line at the City of Tonawanda Officials Outing, held Wednesday afternoon at Fireman's Park. After several years’ hiatus, the event was resurrected last year.
-
Dems denounce county manager finalists
Half the hiring committee charges Glatz is the GOP’s ‘predetermined’ pick for top job
-
Memorial service honors fallen firefighters
Observation takes place on 9th anniversary of terrorist attacks.
-
Flu vaccine supply guaranteed in Niagara County
Health officials still encourage public to get flu shot.
-
25 years for Santiago's killer
Ohio man gets 25 years for ‘09 killing of Michael Santiago in Sheridan Parkside neighborhood
-
Police make Leandra's Law DWI arrest
Renner, 42, was driving with 5-year-old in the car.
-
Pig roast to benefit skate park
Organizers hope to break ground next month.
-
Citizens sound off on zoning
Council holds public hearing on Spaulding Fibre, central business district areas.
-
Known criminal busted for burglary in town
Morford, 19, broke into town home over the weekend.
- More Local News Headlines
-
NY’s firewood quarantine list expanded
