'Not New Problems': Niagara Falls Addresses Community Concerns Over Ontario Avenue Garden
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The family who lives on Ontario Avenue in Niagara Falls, who said the City Department of Public Works came and tore up their family garden last week, received enough donations from their GoFundMe On Wednesday morning to settle the fine imposed by the city.
The family mentioned that they were informed about breaching the "Clean Neighborhood Ordinance," enacted in Niagara Falls during September. According to a declaration from the Niagara Falls Executive Office, the grass between the street and the sidewalk falls under the city’s right of way designated for walkers. The office stated this section needs upkeep to ensure the security of those using it as a pathway.
It’s incredible to realize that people truly grasp what we're aiming to achieve here," remarked Justine Burger. "This initiative isn't merely an eyesore; rather, it's part of an annual effort to contribute positively." She continued, "We feel blessed and relieved because this has taken quite a load off us. Figuring out where to get $2,300 seemed daunting, yet all these donations mean everything to us. So, from our hearts, we extend our gratitude to everyone involved.
When Niagara Falls City Councilman Donta Myles initially learned about the issue, he expressed his discomfort, describing it as hypocritical.
We owe this family an apology, but I believe we also owe them compensation and improved service delivery based on what they're paying for," Myles stated. "There are numerous city-owned properties across town that have received similar grievances. Whether it involves uncut lawns during summer or instances of unauthorized disposal of waste, these problems persist. Throughout the whole city, alleyways are brimming with refuse and litter due to indiscriminate dumping. So, where do their priorities lie?
Sean Mapp, who is campaigning for the position of Niagara Falls' 4th District Legislature, mentioned that he dropped by the family’s place on Sunday.
The garden created wasn’t merely ornamental; it served as a source of communal pride, offering a tranquil area that enhanced property values within the neighborhood. In an interview with WIVB News 4, Mapp stated, "We ought to support individuals looking to enhance and elevate their environment rather than hindering them." He continued, "Our focus shouldn't be on assigning blame but ensuring policies are implemented fairly, empathetically, and sensibly. I encourage those in charge at the municipal level to examine this matter thoroughly and find a solution that respects both the purpose behind the legislation and the essence of the community we aim to serve."
Jim Perry, who serves as the Chairman of the Niagara Falls City Council, informed News 4 that over the last year and a half, he has fielded numerous phone calls and grievances from local residents concerning an issue with a particular house. The callers expressed frustration at feeling their concerns were not adequately addressed.
Following contact made with the City of Niagara Falls on both Tuesday and Wednesday, News 4 was provided with a detailed nine-page document alongside several photographs concerning the issue at hand by the Executive Office of the City of Niagara Falls.
"After thoroughly examining this issue, the Executive Office determined that the Director of DPW and their team correctly implemented and adhered to the Clean Neighborhood Ordinance concerning the recent enforcement actions taken at 2627 Ontario Ave.," the statement said, in part.
The city stated that a Clean Team inspector went to the location on April 3rd to document code violations through photography and placed an "Order of Cleanup" notice on the front porch. Additionally, the municipality mentioned that they sent this cleanup order via mail the very same day not only to the property’s owner based in Amherst but also to those residing at the site.
On April 21, additional inspection images were captured prior to the commencement of cleanup activities by the Clean Team. They recorded minimal or nonexistent attempts made to address the identified infractions.
The statement indicated that there was nothing novel regarding the implementation of Section 738 on April 21st, and they do not think there are any issues within those regulations. According to the city, the Clean Team carries out anywhere from six to twenty clean-ups on personal properties under Section 738 without any reported grievances.
Here is the complete statement from the Executive Office of the City of Niagara Falls below.
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"These issues aren’t new": The City of Niagara Falls addresses residents' worries regarding the Ontario Avenue Garden
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