National Grid Plants More Than 115 Trees at Tifft Nature Preserve to Help Tree Regeneration Project

Submitted by Queen City Blogger on Thursday, May 2nd, 10:30 am

More than 25 National Grid executives and employees assisted Tifft Nature Preserve ecological technicians and staff employees in the planting of more than 115 new trees at Tifft Nature Preserve in efforts to replace invasive trees with ecologically friendly species. The day of tree planting is just one example of the commitment National Grid has in Western New York to be an environmentally responsible and good corporate citizen.

National Grid’s tree planting volunteerism was in conjunction with Tifft Nature Preserve’s tree regeneration project which is being funded by a $300,000 grant from the Greenway Ecological Standing Committee (GESC). The Committee is affiliated with the Niagara River Greenways Fund, established by the New York Power Authority as part of the re-licensing of the Niagara Power Project.

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Mayor Brown's 2013 Budget for Buffalo

Submitted by WGRZ Web Staff

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 12:06am

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown released his $482.5 Million budget proposal for the Queen City Wednesday Afternoon.

On Tuesday, he sat down with 2 On Your Side for a preview of what's to come.

Mayor Brown says the news is good for property tax payers.
The Mayor's budget does not raise residential property taxes or increase any fees. His proposed budget also reduces commercial taxes by 3.2%.

There are no layoffs in Mayor Brown's budget, and the budget does include money to add a new class of both police and firefighters. There's also money for upgraded equipment for police offices, including a million dollars for new vehicles and technology.

Another significant amount of money will be spent on continuing the demolition of vacant and unsalvageable housing stock.

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Jacobs’ Office Responsible for 50% of County Surplus

Submitted by Mike Cecchini on Wednesday, May 1st, 4:37 pm

Says proud of role Clerk’s office plays to support critical services while keeping down taxes

Erie County, NY – Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs reported today that his office accounted for 50% of the overall county surplus. Jacobs’ is referring to the County Comptroller’s report released yesterday which shows an overall budget surplus of $4.27 Million, and “roughly 50% of the county’s entire operating surplus,” came from the County Clerk said the Erie County Comptroller in his budget close-out report.

“We were proud to report our over $2 million dollar surplus several months ago but the fact that we contributed such a large percentage to the County’s overall surplus is quite significant,” said Jacobs. The Clerk’s Office represents only 4% of the County’s work force but is responsible for one-half of the 2012 County’s surplus.

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Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Plans May 11 Opening

Submitted by Joe Kirchmyer

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 4:17pm

Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Plans May 11 Opening

Western New York’s most popular open-air market, the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market, will return for the 2013 season on May 11. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, rain or shine, through Dec. 21.

Visitors to the market will discover a few new surprises this year, including several new vendors. Joining the market for the 2013 season are Blackbird Sweets, Bieter and Sons Farm, Plato Dale Farm, T-Meadow Farm and Eveningside Vineyards. Several Western New York wineries will also continue to provide tastings on a rotating basis.

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Senate Passes Kennedy-Cosponsored Bill to Ensure Parents Know of Sex Offenders Residing Near Schools

Submitted by Senator Tim Kennedy, New York State Senator, 58th District

Wednesday, May 1st, 2013, 3:12pm

Senate Passes Kennedy-Cosponsored Bill to Ensure Parents Know of Sex Offenders Residing Near Schools

Kennedy-cosponsored legislation will require school districts to notify parents of sex offenders living within the district in an effort to help keep children and families safe from predators.

Now that the bill has passed through the Senate with bi-partisan support, Kennedy is urging his Assembly colleagues to pass the bill as well.

Kennedy: With nearly 1,300 sex offenders living in our community, this legislation ensures parents have the knowledge they need to help keep their children safe.

ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, announced the Senate has passed legislation he cosponsored to help protect children from sex offenders who may live near their schools. Kennedy explained the bill would ensure school districts notify their students’ parents when they receive information about a sex offender residing within the district.

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Rose Garden Early Childhood Center Has Limited Openings Available

Submitted by Joe Kirchmyer

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013, 6:22pm

Rose Garden Early Childhood Center Has Limited Openings Available

The Rose Garden Early Childhood Center, located in a beautifully renovated “green” building at 257 Lafayette Ave. in Buffalo, still has a limited number of openings for its creative toddler programs. The Center offers half-day and full-day programs for children from 18 months to 5 years of age in a homelike environment where domestic arts and physical development are the core of a play-based curriculum.

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