Published: April 08, 2008 08:12 pm            

NIAGARA FALLS: Council upset over lack of input

Mayor asked to provide update on Main Street project

Feeling they’ve been removed from the process, Niagara Falls City Council members are asking for an update on the construction of the new $44.6 million municipal safety complex.

Last month, LiRo Engineers was hired for $14,000 a month to serve as project manager and assist the Bellevue Local Development Corp. in reviewing change orders requested by the development team and oversee other facets of construction.

Councilmembers support the hiring, but are concerned important decisions are being made without their consideration.

“The council should be made aware of what’s going on,” Councilman Charles Walker said this week. “It seems we’ve been shut out of this process — it’s still a city project.”

Currently under construction along north Main Street, the safety complex will house both the city’s courts and police headquarters and has a projected completion date of spring 2009.

After more than two years of discussion and planning, a construction agreement with Ciminelli Development and Largo Real Estate Advisors was approved by the council on Nov. 13. The contract included establishing a local development corporation to handle the financing aspect and oversee construction, effectively taking the managerial burden off of the council.

However, Walker said he didn’t think establishing the three-member Bellevue board meant the council had no more say as work progresses. Previously, the council had to approve the monthly invoices from Ciminelli and Largo, but has not received copies of the bills since the LDC was formed.

If it turns out money is being spent recklessly or other problems arise during construction, Walker said the public’s concerns will be addressed to the council, not the LDC or project manager.

“The taxpayers are looking to the council to make certain decisions,” Walker said. “Whether it’s from the project manager or the administration, the council needs to be updated on a regular basis.”

Walker’s colleagues agreed and asked Mayor Paul Dyster to provide information on any change orders or invoices presented for approval by the development team.

Dyster promised an update will be made during an upcoming council meeting and said since being hired, LiRo Engineers has made several inquiries regarding finances and invoices to get up to speed on the project.

        

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