Look at a map of Western New York and the 33 acres of Pinewoods Park is notable as being the first significant greenspace north of Buffalo’s Delaware Park.
But concerns are being aired about the newly re-burgeoning park — created in 1917 as “Sweeney Park” — after its disc-golf course recently received nine new holes, some of which go deep into the mostly untouched forested area. (The game is similar to traditional golfing but instead of using a club hit a ball a frisbee is thrown into a metal basket.)
“You should have a master plan,” said former NT Environmental Committee member Mary Kate Fonzi at last week’s NT council meeting, a special session held [...]
Coaches, local politicians, parents and players crammed into the NTAA room at Rescue Fire Hall in North Tonawanda today to protest encroachment on a sport that’s been at the heart of NT athletics for generations.
However, state lawmakers citing medical evidence say tackle-football for kids under 12 — whose bodies are still developing — is dangerous and can lead to serious and permanent conditions including Alzheimer’s.
Youth-tackle advocates, however, say all contact sports are potentially dangerous and involve concussions, and they wonder why football is being singled out.
Also, youth football coaches are better trained in keeping kids safe, and [...]
North Tonawanda’s late budget brought about an unusual Friday night budget hearing ahead of its planned adoption at Monday’s special common council session.
Due to concerns about how effectively the council can implement changes to the budget over the weekend, council president Eric Zadzilka said there was a possibility adoption would take place later since the budget can be approved as as late as Nov. 15.
As in previous meetings, several speakers drew attention to almost $1 million in projected revenues that seemed less than a sure thing.
One of the avenues for increased revenues involves going after three years of delinquent back taxes. [...]
