From the Buffalo News:
State legislators from the Assembly and Senate and from both sides of the political aisle were quick over the weekend to criticize the proposed closing of state parks and historic sites as part of Gov. David A. Paterson’s effort to close an anticipated budget gap of $8.2 billion in the fiscal year beginning April 1.
And ordinary residents who use the parks joined in the criticism.
Paterson’s plan, unveiled Friday, would save $6.5 million by closing 41 parks and 14 historic sites when the new budget year begins April 1. It also would reduce services at 23 other parks, including Niagara Falls State Park, which is widely known around the world and is a magnet that attracts untold numbers of international travelers.
Assemblywoman Francine Del- Monte, the Lewiston Democrat who represents Niagara Falls among many other communities along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, called upon State Parks Commissioner Carol Ash to explore ways for local municipalities to keep some of the parks open.
I really hope they find another way to cover the shortfall rather than closing and reducing services. I have recently visited Niagara Falls when I was in the area with my job and it was incredible – not to mention the number of employers and jobs that it would affect… The tax revenue from loss of tourism dollars alone should make this a poor decision. I don’t know about the other areas of New York, but I have seen a definite upturn in the number of employers and jobs being posted on http://www.niagarafallsemployment.com so hopefully the economy and jobs will turn around quickly enough to avoid this!