08/06/07 04:24 - 82ºF - ID#40411
Land for sale--cheap
I'm glad the article was published, but how could they not even mention this site's dark past that continues to kill people with cancer? The only thing the article mentions about the LOOW is that it once was a military testing area. What about all the radioactive waste they dumped into marsh area?! If you want to see my original journal with pictures click here:
Nike missile launch site up for auction in Niagara County
Town of Porter parcel advertised on Internet
By Sharon Linstedt
Updated: 08/06/07 8:29 AM
Sam Kolich/Buffalo News
The mothballed site covers 98 acres off Balmer and Porter Center roads.
"For Sale: 98 acres of mostly undeveloped, treed property in rural Niagara County. Amenities include six underground missile silos."
That could be the federal government's ad for an unusual piece of property located in the Town of Porter, which it is auctioning off via the Internet. The U.S. General Services Administration opened online bidding July 12 for the long-idle Youngstown Test Annex, ocated at the corner of Balmer and Porter Center roads.
"It's certainly a different kind of property," said GSA spokeswoman Renee Miscione. "But the federal government sells and disposes of a very wide range of properties. It's everything from office buildings and military residences to post offices, lighthouses and missile sites."
The GSA, which disposes of properties for the federal government, offers the lands and buildings to various levels of government before putting them on the auction block.
The Youngstown Test Annex was originally part of the Lake Ontario Ordnance Works, which included about 7,500 acres across Niagara County used for military testing. The Army acquired the Youngstown Test Annex property in 1955, developing it as a Nike missile launch site.
The Cold War-era defense system was designed to protect major urban areas and strategic assets, such as power plants, from air assaults. The Nike missiles were secured in underground silos, at the ready in case of attack. At the height of the initiative, there were more than 200 installations around the country, including nearly a dozen in Western New York.
The Air Force took title to the Town of Porter location in the mid-1960s, converting it to a Tropospheric Scatter Radar communications network site.
The property, which has remained under military control, was mothballed in 1990.
In its description of the site, the GSA notes the property includes about 45 acres of wetlands. In addition to six missile silos (which are empty and have been welded shut), the parcel also comes with a handful of outbuildings in "various stages of deterioration." The GSA warns potential buyers they could face asbestos-removal issues. However, the government indicates that the site does not contain radioactive materials or hazardous chemicals.
To date, no one has stepped up with the required $100,000 minimum bid.
Miscione noted it took 21 days for the first bid to be registered in last summer's online sale of the Thaddeus J. Dulski federal office building in downtown Buffalo. That 15-story, 470,000-square-foot tower saw a brisk bidding war in the final days of its auction, attracting a winning bid of $6.1 million.
Of the eight former Nike sites sprinkled across Niagara and Erie counties, this is the last one to remain under federal government ownership. While a few are now privately owned, most have found new life as town or village-controlled parks, recreation areas, senior housing or local government offices.
slinstedt@buffnews.com
Permalink: Land_for_sale_cheap.html
Words: 819
08/05/07 10:22 - 74ºF - ID#40395
Self Portraits
Maybe it's weird to take lots of pictures of yourself, but sometimes thats all you have.
Permalink: Self_Portraits.html
Words: 28
08/04/07 03:30 - 81ºF - ID#40379
Why recycle?
I made an honest mistake in my recycling habits and included dry cleaning bags along with grocery bags for recycling in the "blue bin". Anyways, the recycling people put the entire bag of plastic into the trash bin. The only way I was alerted to this was because I opened the can to see if they had taken it yet. I'm really sad that they would throw it out rather than leave it in the bin so I could see that it isn't recyclable. Wegmans takes back plastic bags so I would have continued to bring it there. Luckily I savaged the bags and will bring them there.
My other problem is that I left a cardboard egg carton to be recycled and they left it in the bin. Buffalorecycles.com which is supported by the Mayor, Byron Brown, clearly states that it accepts them. I assumed that they won't take the styrofoam ones, but was shocked that they won't take a cardboard one. So why does there website say that they will recycle them?
Does anyone else have problems with their recycling? I would like to contact the mayor with as much info as possible. Why does Buffalo make recycling so hard when as Joel Giambra clearly states
"Recycling is a matter of importance, not just in Buffalo, but throughout Erie County. Your efforts reduce our reliance on area landfills, which cuts expenses and creates local jobs, and you'll be helping to preserve our beautiful landscape.
Remember that a commitment to our recycling program is a promise made to this region's future. Recycling-it's easy and it's necessary. Together we can make it work.
Buffalo needs more education on recycling. I would love my full-time job to be on community recycling education.
Permalink: Why_recycle_.html
Words: 406
08/02/07 04:56 - 91ºF - ID#40358
I ran
And I ran, I ran so far away.
I forgot to mention my thoughts on the Bridge collapse. Isn't that just about one of everyone's worst fears? I think about all the times I go over the Peace Bridge which has been exposed to extreme weather conditions and for many years. Anyways, the worst would be going head first into the raging Niagara. During rush hour too. It would just be hell. I'm probably going to freak out the next time I'm on the bridge, even though there is not much of a chance that I would be on the bridge that one moment it just snaps.
Permalink: I_ran.html
Words: 180
07/30/07 07:15 - 83ºF - ID#40315
Lake Effect Laundry
My favorite laundromat remains the Maytag on Delaware next to Boston Market. It is the cheapest, cleanest, and most operational I have been to in the area. They give you a free wash for every ten $1.25 loads.
Update 7/31/07
Maybe I was a bit harsh. The laundromat performs well. The stainless steel driers are beautiful and you don't have to split up a large load. Its just that normally for a week's laundry I spend $10 or less, but here I spent $15. That is just too much to wash my clothes and sheets for a week. The laundromat on Elmwood and Auburn is also expensive, but at least they offer 5 top-loading machines at $1.50. Their $2.25 "double load" machines are the worst at cleaning. Usually when you open them they smell like sewage. I am going to stay faithful to Delaware's Maytag as long as i have a car and don't have laundry in my building. I really shouldn't give them any advertising as I hate when it is busy, for example, SUper Bowl Sunday.
Permalink: Lake_Effect_Laundry.html
Words: 308
07/29/07 09:23 - 69ºF - ID#40294
Sunset
Had a nice time at the PMT get-together. Thanks guys!
Permalink: Sunset.html
Words: 14
07/26/07 09:03 - 70ºF - ID#40256
Freakology
My mother's husband personally knows someone who was used and then discarded by this group. Actually, the guy was slightly mentally handicapped and had received a rather large inheritance after someone in his family died. In Scientology, in order to advance you must spend money. While I see the need for money in religion, this is a huge red flag for me. If someone said look, if you want to be enlightened ,you MUST give us $300, I would run as far as I could. So anyways, this guy spends all of his inheritance money to advance through their programs and when it dries up, they help him fill out a credit application. Long story short, he maxes out his credit limit and then is disposed. While he was a Scientologists he was instructed not to talk to his family.
My experience next to these people has been strange. It seems like they all walk around smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee like eternal zombies in their uniforms. Yes, (e:enknot), they are FREAKS! Most of them refuse to look at me in the eye because they know I am Buddhist. One time my friend Gerry was outside and found a young kid stumbling around after getting clipped by a car while he was ridding his scooter. It turns out he was the son of a Scientologist (haha) his mother was inside the Scientology building. Other Scientology members came out (not the mother) and they refused to call an ambulance. Gerry told me that the kid's speech was slurred either indicating he was drunk, or more likely had a concussion. The Scientology people (the mother never came out) wanted to bring the kid inside and "heal" him. Gerry called an ambulance.
Yesterday I saw a young woman with young children get sucked in by their brainwashing. It really made me sad. How much money will she lose in the hopes to make her life better/happier? Her youngest kid was so cute and he kept pointing at me and wanting her to come over to "our" door. Her older kid I saw dash out of the Scientology building without her and then attempted to cross the street. I had to yell at him to watch the car that probably would have hit him if I weren't standing there. Can't say I blame him though, kids are so perceptive.
I seriously had some issues going to see Hairspray because I didn't want John Travolta to have ANY of my money. I even thought of buying a ticket to another movie, but then I thought that wasn't fair to the other actors/actresses that aren't FREAKS. Why did they choose him to play that part? Let me tell you, he isn't any Divine by any means. Divine may be the filthiest (Pink Flamingos), but Travolta is just a FREAK with lots of money. She is probably rolling over in her grave from the insult.
Permalink: Freakology.html
Words: 597
07/18/07 04:29 - 78ºF - ID#40154
Raising the flag for Jesus
Permalink: Raising_the_flag_for_Jesus.html
Words: 3
07/16/07 10:34 - 70ºF - ID#40138
buffalorecycles.com
1) Plastic grocery bags (I was bringing them to Wegmans)
2) Egg cartons (No, not the Styrofoam ones that indicate that they come from caged chickens)
3) Toilet paper and Paper towel rolls
4) Motor oil and antifreeze containers (I thought they were not accepted because of their toxic contents)
Other interesting thing I found is that Goodwill actually recycles computers and their components. check this out
BUFFALO, NY, March 9, 2007-- Residents now have the opportunity to have all computer and electronic products recycled at no charge. Goodwill Industries of WNY will provide free recycling of all computers and electronics dropped off at any of 10 convenient locations throughout Erie County. Some of the recycling will provide work opportunities for individuals who will be dismantling these products in Goodwill workshops. The rest of the equipment will be completely recycled by Electronic Recycling Technologies LLC, the largest computer recycler in Western New York.
Goodwill's vision is a community where individuals with barriers to independence are empowered to change their lives through work. So in addition to keeping this material out of local landfills and incinerators, you will be providing an employment opportunity for individuals with disabilities and disadvantages. Goodwill also accepts donations of useable clothing and household items at these locations, as well as direct financial contributions.
This program is for residents only. Businesses, schools and institutions may call Electronic Recycling Technologies at (716) 447-0720 to arrange recycling in compliance with all New York State DEC regulations.
Acceptable equipment for recycling includes:
* Computers
* Laptops
* Monitors, flat panel Monitors
* TVs
* Keyboards, Mice
* Printers, scanners, copiers, faxes
* Audio, video, stereo equipment
* Electronic games,
* PDAs, IPods, Cell phones, digital cameras
* Cables, cords, peripherals, parts, drives
Please no microwaves, no fluorescent tubes or ballasts.
DATA SECURITY: all hard drives received will be overwritten and erased or ground and smelted. No data or software will be left on any hard drive.
Drop-off locations and hours include
Goodwill Stores - open Monday-Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Airport Plaza, Genesee St & Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
2655 Delaware Avenue @ Sanders Road, Buffalo, NY 14216
1119 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206
Town Hall Plaza, 6000 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, NY 14o75
Transit Town Plaza, 4311 Transit Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221
Goodwill Attended Trailers - open Monday-Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Airport Plaza, Genesee St & Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
TOPS, Niagara Falls Blvd. & E. Robinson Rd, Amherst, NY 14228
TOPS, Maple Rd @ North Bailey, Amherst, NY 14226
TOPS, 4250 McKinley Parkway @ Southwestern, Hamburg, NY 14075
TOPS, Maple Rd @ Transit Rd, Amherst, NY 14221
For additional information call:
Goodwill Industries of WNY; 854-3494
Electronic Recycling Technologies LLC; (716) 447-0720
One thing that really gets to me when I'm walking down the street is people who put things in the bins that don't belong because they never bothered to inform themselves of what does. Just because you think it should be recycled doesn't mean that it will be. By not following recycling rules you jeopardize the recycling program by interfering its cost effectiveness. So if your intentions are good (which if you are recycling, I'm sure they are) make sure you know the guidelines.
buffalorecycles.com is definitely a must browse for every environmentally conscious Erie County resident. The website, although missing some links, is very informative.
Permalink: buffalorecycles_com.html
Words: 566
Author Info
Date Cloud
- 11/21
- 05/16
- 11/15
- 10/15
- 01/15
- 11/14
- 10/14
- 08/14
- 06/14
- 05/14
- 04/14
- 03/14
- 02/14
- 01/14
- 12/13
- 11/13
- 10/13
- 09/13
- 08/13
- 07/13
- 06/13
- 05/13
- 04/13
- 03/13
- 02/13
- 01/13
- 12/12
- 11/12
- 10/12
- 09/12
- 01/12
- 12/11
- 11/11
- 09/11
- 08/11
- 07/11
- 06/11
- 05/11
- 04/11
- 03/11
- 02/11
- 01/11
- 12/10
- 11/10
- 10/10
- 09/10
- 08/10
- 07/10
- 06/10
- 05/10
- 04/10
- 03/10
- 02/10
- 01/10
- 12/09
- 11/09
- 10/09
- 09/09
- 08/09
- 07/09
- 06/09
- 05/09
- 04/09
- 03/09
- 02/09
- 01/09
- 12/08
- 11/08
- 10/08
- 09/08
- 08/08
- 07/08
- 06/08
- 05/08
- 04/08
- 03/08
- 02/08
- 01/08
- 12/07
- 11/07
- 10/07
- 09/07
- 08/07
- 07/07
- 06/07
- 04/07
- 03/07
- 02/07
- 01/07
- 12/06
- 11/06
- 10/06
- 09/06
- 08/06
- 07/06
- 06/06
- 05/06
- 04/06
- 03/06
There are some statistics collected by NYS's cancer registry that are interesting, but of course don't paint a complete picture especially when dealing with sparsely populated areas. :::link:::
There is nothing specific I am looking for, but any news articles or new information you find I would be interested in. I have copies of articles going back to the early 80's, thanks to the Niagara Public Library.
On another note, I have seen pages of research on how government and private industry use public meetings and public knowledge to actually keep citizens from mobilizing. They learned a lot from Love Canal about what motivates people to take action and have continued to study ways to prevent mobilization ever since. It has been very effective.
I agree with you about getting involved. If you would do it with me, I would picket in front of the school urging them to shut it down. We could dress up in those white radioactive contamination suits. Maybe they have them at a costume store? I think the first day of school would be great. That's when the most parents drive their kids in. I'm not as courageous as that guy in Buffalo that always pickets alone. I think I just read somewhere that they want to expand the school? Maybe it was in (e:zobar)'s Artvoice links, I can't remember. I don't think the reaction would be very positive though. People don't like to hear these things.
:::link:::
Have to dig for certain ones, but here are numerous reports and articles out there-- but not exclusive to the internet. A lot of this ^^ (RRG) information gets circulated to homes throughout Youngstown and Lewiston (and parts of Ransomville, I think). By law we receive the analysis reports (for water anyways). There are the town meetings, district meetings, and somewhere, there are book publications. Its a messy situation with a long history. As with anything, people need to get involved, stay involved, get educated and question everything, even there own conclusions.
which reminds me, I'm about due to renew my RRG membership.
From the link to your older post, did you ever get a chance to read through the health analysis reports?
Is there anything specific you are looking for?
2007-08-02 :::link:::
- Z