Local News
Related Photos
-
Christian Gardner/Staff
Tools
NT looks to add trails
HEALTHY TRAILS: Officials support more bike paths in North Tonawanda
If city officials get their way in North Tonawanda, walkers and bicyclists would swarm the city.
A 5,000-ft. extension linking an existing pathway in Gratwick Park to Fisherman’s Park along River Road was completed in the past month. North Tonawanda Common Council President Brett Sommer is now clamoring for three particular paved city paths.
One path would follow railroad tracks from the Wurlitzer building to the Erie Canal waterfront. Another path would follow power lines from Mayor’s Park to Wheatfield.
Sommer also supports the creation of a bike path along Sweeney Street, which has sparked some debate among city officials.
North Tonawanda City Engineer Dale Marshall and Mayor Larry Soos both have said recently that a Sweeney Street path would be too costly.
“We need more opportunities for people who live inland in North Tonawanda to get better access to the waterfront,” Sommer said.
Soos sees the benefits of bike paths, as well.
“It’s a form of entertainment for people who don’t have a lot of money,” Soos said. “People are also going to use it for the health benefits.”
Sommer has tried to contact North Tonawanda Waterfront Commission member Jim Mroz about getting the bike paths onto the Niagara River Greenway plan for the city, he said.
Mroz included two of the paths after he talked to Sommer weeks ago, he said.
“About 90 percent of all ideas proposed to the committee were interjected in the plan,” Mroz said.
Mroz did not include the Sweeney Street path in the plan because it’s not economically feasible, he said. Mroz believes more information will be known about the overall direction of the Greenway plan by the end of next week.
The recent River Road extension cost $180,000, with the city covering half the cost and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation covering the other half.
City officials hope to connect Fisherman’s Park with Gateway Harbor and the City of Tonawanda. The entire project would involve linking North Tonawanda to other municipalities, such as Niagara Falls and Lockport.
“I’d like to see the paths connect all the way out to Youngstown,” Soos said. “It would be a nice day trip.”
Contact Phil Dzikiy at 693-1000, Ext. 114.
- Local News
-
-
Defense rests after Drake takes stand
Closing arguments, jury deliberation slated for Monday in double-homicide retrial.
-
Ken East student arrested for weapons threat
Parent alerts administrators; police find the 15-year-old at home.
-
Albany lawmakers pile up expenses
Schimminger, Thompson rank high on list.
-
Master Plan discussed at NCCC
$30M in capital projects reviewed by trustees.
-
County reps up in arms over anti-gun legislation
Local officials say proposed law violates Second Amendment, would harm law-abiding citizens.
-
NT, residents think DEC's plan is all wet
Wetlands maps have their proponents but officials, homeowners largely feel hosed.
-
Quality Students praised
Best and brightest from local schools receive accolades at banquet.
-
NT set to fight DEC over wetlands
State agency's plan would jeopardize several city projects including Meadow Drive extension.
-
St. Paul school to close
Decision made by parish priest, trustees as enrollment continues to decline.
-
Samco gets OK for tax breaks
Council gives company that left city its blessing to recieve Empire Zone benefits.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Defense rests after Drake takes stand
