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
January 7, 2010
CITY OF TONAWANDA: Dental research center eyes city
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