But it's Only a 100 Room Hotel

Harvey Albond

I was watching the governor the other day say that, other than casino-related developments, the Hamister hotel project is the most important thing that's happened to Niagara Falls in decades.

The fact of the matter is, it is 100 rooms.

I realize there is retail space and residential, too.

The cost probably is highly inflated because it will attract other people's money, like the state and the city.

The other thing is, I think, Channel 2 reported Anderson got the deal because they promised him they would have jobs here and use local construction.

The fact of the matter is there were other major concessions given that reflect on the poorly crafted arrangements made by the State of New York with their ineptitude.

I think a great debt of gratitude is owed to the three people (councilmen Robert Anderson, Sam Fruscione and Chairman Glenn Choolokian) who were able to wring these concessions out, when the state didn't do the job themselves.

The Hamister deal is another fine example of "I'm from Albany and I'm here to help you."