Printed by the Niagara Gazette
April 16, 2008
GLYNN: ‘Times Square’ plan slow to catch on
By Don Glynn
Public servants often bask in the glory of grandiose plans for impressive ambitious projects and then they suddenly vanish from the scene.
Take former Gov. George Pataki who was center stage that day in 2001 when he announced that a new agency, the USA Niagara Development Corp., would be created to promote economic development and tourism for Niagara Falls. It was funded as a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corp.
While USA Niagara, now under the direction of Chris Schoepflin, has brought refreshing changes to the downtown scene, there are some observers who contend the Pataki administration could have done much more to encourage private investment, especially in the Third Street area. Local business and political leaders too could have stepped forward for the project.
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