Canal town mayors to focus on revitalization

The 177th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal on October 26, 1825 is the occasion for a forum being organized by the Planning Commission for the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor involving mayors and other local elected officials who will share, discuss and debate revitalization strategies for their town centers utilizing the potential of the Erie Canal as a component to attract investment and rebirth.

The Canal Town Mayor's Roundtable is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, 210 Market Street in the City of Lockport.

"The goal of this session is to understand how the 46 Heritage Corridor communities that are adjacent to the canal are enhancing the opportunities for public and private investment to revitalize their historic town centers, said Brian Grassia, chair of the Planning Commission." The State of New York allocates approximately $80 million annually in canal maintenance and improvements and many communities are leveraging that investment to enhance their town centers, which are often located directly on the waterway," he added.

Mayors scheduled to speak on their local efforts include Mayor David Burgio of the City of North Tonawanda, Mayor Vicky Daly of the Village of Palmyra, Mayor Clark King of the Village of Fairport, Mayor Julie Maedl of the Village of Middleport and Mayor Thomas Sullivan of the City of Lockport.

All Heritage Corridor mayors and county elected officials have been invited to participate, as well as the 29 members of the New York State Legislature who represent districts within the corridor. Members of the New York State Congressional delegation representing Western New York are also invited.

A ceremony marking the Erie Canal's anniversary will follow the roundtable.