The Seneca Nation announced their plans to build a 20-24 gas pump station with a convenience store on the corner of Niagara Street and John B. Daly Boulevard. And this is what the taxpayers of Niagara Falls signed up for back in 2003....NOT!!!! This is another shot across the bow that will close more local businesses. Within a 5 mile radius from where this mega-gas station/convenience store will be put up, there are five gas stations ( 2 of which have convenience stores) and the 7-11 on the corner of 4th and Niagara Street. Not to mention the gas pumps at Tops on Portage Road. How will they survive when the Senecas aren't paying sales tax? The answer is they won't survive.
In 2012, the Senecas and the State extended the compact. Of course, the local politicians were giddy because the city's financial crisis was over as the Senecas released the money that was owed the city. The issue of gas pumps on the 50 acres has come up before, so why didn't our elected officials raise this issue when the compact was extended?
Mayor Dyster stated in the Buffalo News that this announcement was a slippery slope. However, in the same article, the Senecas indicated that they have had discussions with the city about this proposal and that they were supportive. Hmmm....so which is it??
Then of course we have our silent and esteemed Assemblyman John Ceretto. The same John Ceretto who just recently had a fund raiser at the Seneca Casino. Wouldn't be surprised if Ceretto didn't know at his fund raiser about this proposal. Can we really expect this ultimate self-serving politician to take on the Seneca Nation? Forget about it!!!
The question now becomes: is there a public official out there that will have the stones to protect the interest of local business?? Ceretto and Dyster have proven their disregard for local taxpayers. Our illustrious Governor, King Andy, could careless about Niagara Falls even though Ceretto & Dyster are the biggest Cuomo lap dogs around. Could it be newcomer Senator Rob Ortt? Haven't heard anything from him. What about our esteemed County Legislature? There too busy fighting amongst themselves.
Maybe it's time for drastic measures, something that none of our elected officials have the guts to do: build barriers around the 50 acres and charge a toll when people leave. You pay a toll to go into Canada, so why not a toll leaving the sovereign Seneca Nation? Maybe we can enlist Donald Trump to come to Niagara Falls and get these toll booths built.
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