pharmacies, those kinds of things that are going to come into the area along with coffee shops and pizza shops that are going to be necessary once you start nestling in students,” the mayor predicts. INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSING AS A FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH Building a sustainable future requires more than development projects, it demands comprehensive infrastructure and housing strategies. Niagara Falls has embarked on ambitious upgrades while confronting a housing market transformed by pandemic-era price surges and persistent neighborhood challenges. “In terms of electricity and water, we’re well established,” Mayor Restaino affirms. “We’ve just completed a complete conversion of our streetlights to low-cost LED along with some technology. So, across the board, we’re pretty good in that vein.” High-speed internet remains the missing piece, though developers have shown interest in bringing broadband to eastern neighborhoods. living next to them, the 16 teammates turn into 200 college kids coming over for a party, and that ends up being somewhat disturbing to the neighborhoods.” Rather than simply restricting student rentals, the city acquired foreclosed properties for $1.5 million through the Urban Renewal Agency, including the former Blue Cardinal Capital holdings. “We were able to negotiate with the bank involved for the acquisition at less than the lien price,” the mayor notes. The package includes the historic Rapids Theatre, purchased for $800,000 out of foreclosure in November 2024. “We’ve taken a page out of so many other communities, both in New York state and around the country that have used university housing to sort of kickstart a section of their community,” Mayor Restaino says. Two developers are currently negotiating for the properties, with plans to house 200-300 students. The ripple effects could transform North Main. “There are other ancillary developments, grocers, 54 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08
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