The City of Salamanca Municipal Building at 225 Wildwood Ave.
Kellen M. Quigley
Featured, Local News, News, Salamanca News
SALAMANCA — Economic development and capital projects were regular topics of interest for the Salamanca Common Council Wednesday, with several items such as grant applications and property purchases being approved by the council.
The council authorized the city to apply for a New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage for the ice pond chalet project at the Bill Flanigan Memorial Ice Pond.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be nearly $783,000, with the city’s share coming in at $195,709.75. Those are maximum dollar amounts, said City Administrator Jay Bartoszek.
“Obviously, there are changes taking place all the time with a lot of these things, but it’s anticipated that it could be less than that,” he explained. “That’s including some extra stuff in there just in case, but the cost share on that (grant) is 25 percent.”
Preliminary plans for the project include the construction of a multi-purpose chalet building on the site that would house a skate rental area, a kitchen for concessions, a concessions area and window, public restrooms with year-round accessibility, equipment storage and an indoor “warming hut” area with seating.
Bartoszek said the city can apply for a maximum of $675,000 through the grant program, and they should know by Nov. 1 whether the city will receive the grant.
Also on Wednesday, the council authorized the city to apply for a New York State Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids, and Seniors (NY BRICKS) grant for the Salamanca Youth Center roof replacement project, estimated to cost $350,000, with the city’s share totaling $70,000.
“For this grant, we have to apply for a minimum of $250,000,” Bartoszek explained. “They’re going to completely replace the entire roof. It’s not going to be a patch job. They’re going to tear the old one off and put a new one on.”
Youth Bureau Director Markie Phillips said there is money available in both their capital improvement fund and equipment purchase fund to go toward the city’s share.
Mayor Sandra Magiera said the youth center is one of three city buildings that need new roofs, but noted that there have been problems with the youth center for decades.
“The kids are a good place to start,” Phillips added. “Since it was built in 2000, there have been issues and issues for all the directors.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the purchase of three properties totaling $300,000 was authorized by the Common Council on Wednesday.
The council voted to purchase 18-20 Great Valley St. from Pamela Sturdevant for $115,000; 63 Columbia Ave. from Charles Woodworth for $125,000; and 26 Great Valley St. from Cheryl DeBoy for $60,000, all made from Economic Development funds.
In May, the council authorized the $250,000 purchase of 282-284 Central Ave., a commercial property that borders the three residential properties purchased Wednesday.
The council also approved an $88,800 agreement between 4Ward Planning and the city for consulting services for the highest and best use analysis of the city-owned State Park Avenue property.
A site profile and feasibility assessment of the properties was completed in May. The properties consist of eight city-owned parcels totaling approximately 196 acres of land between State Park Avenue to the east and Allegany State Park land to the west.
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