|
State of Town: Previous work building path to bright future
Groundwork laid by the town board in 2006 and previous years is beginning to pay off, and continued hard work will allow Cheektowaga to stand tall in the future from both an economic and quality-of-life standpoint.
That was the message from Supervisor James J. Jankowiak, who delivered his first State of the Town address last week.
Speaking last Thursday at the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce's monthly luncheon at the Millennium Hotel, Jankowiak reviewed the past year and cast a positive light toward the future.
Retail development, particularly expansion at Walden Galleria, helped Cheektowaga set record numbers for building permits, estimated project valuation and building permit fees.
Other key commercial projects include additions at Costanzo's bakery and the FedEx offices, and renovations of empty retail buildings on Genesee Street and Walden Avenue.
"The town is very hopeful that Benderson Development will have similar success with its recent purchase of Garden Village Plaza," Jankowiak said.
Community development and preservation continues to be a major theme in Cheektowaga. Jankowiak noted that two new patio home projects will be in various stages of construction in 2007. Meanwhile, the housing and neighborhood preservation office continues to inspect and clean up more residential properties.
New town ordinances recently passed are hoped to assist the housing and neighborhood preservation department with its duties.
"The Community Development Office, under the leadership of Jerry Gabryszak, continues to be true to its mission of preserving our community's housing stock," Jankowiak added. "In 2006, the construction of six new houses on Randolph Avenue was completed ... and the houses were sold to first-time homeowners."
Another area in which neighborhood preservation is working is in the parks department. Dingens Park will be reconstructed in 2007, and most renovations at Stiglmeier Park were completed in 2006.
Town Clerk Mary F. Holtz, who also holds other titles in town, was called one of Cheektowaga's "most valued" elected officials. Holtz, Jankowiak noted, continues to modernize her office through effective use of the Internet. With the help of Lisa Marie Bolognese, Holtz seized an opportunity to create a new records center when the North Branch library closed last year.
Cheektowaga recognized financial savings through the efforts of Employee Relations Coordinator Tony Romano, whose work on unemployment insurance and workers compensation costs led to reductions of 25 and 15 percent, respectively, in 2006.
Negotiations between the town's chief negotiator, Councilmember Jeff Swiatek, and union representatives John Jaroszewski and Lt. David Zack led to new bargaining agreements with a health plan that will save Cheektowaga $2.3 million during the next two years, but will not adversely affect employees.
The relationship between the police department and local school districts was praised for helping to keep children safe, and the department's community relations likewise played a key role in 2006.
"From safety in our schools to cyberspace, our police department has been working diligently in this area," Jankowiak said. "Through stepped-up patrols and cooperation from neighboring law enforcement agencies, the police department arrested a suspect in March who was involved in three home invasions over a six-month period."
Key departures- through retirement and unfortunate deaths- were also momentous occasions in Cheektowaga during 2006.
Five employees with a combined 142 years of service retired from the sewer department. James Burst and Larry Golas were singled out for their contributions.
Cheektowaga also lost its only director of senior services when Patricia Wojcik retired after more than 30 years of service.
"Pat was instrumental in the continued evolution of the services that the department now provides," said Jankowiak. "Under the new direction of Kerry Switalski, we are confident that the staff will continue to exceed the expectations of our senior residents."
Town Justice Ronald E. Kmiotek, who passed away in July 2006, will be "sorely missed," Jankowiak said.
"We lost a stalwart who protected our town for most of his adult life," Jankowiak said. "Justice Kmiotek distinguished himself as a no-nonsense judge who was always tough on crime and looked out for the welfare of the town."
| 
