- Rob Restaino, the mayor of Niagara Falls, N.Y., has declared a state of emergency over crumbling roads and abandoned properties, blaming the city council for inaction.
- The state of emergency was declared on July 20 due to deteriorating infrastructure and has now entered its third week.
- Restaino stated that the city council's failure to approve necessary contracts before their recess was the catalyst for the emergency declaration.
- The emergency declaration allows the city to deliver necessary services without the normal council approval process.
- Restaino noted that the initial emergency declaration lasts 30 days and could be extended if necessary.
- The mayor emphasized that the deteriorating roads and abandoned homes pose a safety and health risk to the community.
- Restaino expressed frustration with the city council, stating that a couple of council members were notified about the emergency orders and contracts.
Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino declared a state of emergency on July 20, citing deteriorating roads and abandoned properties as significant safety and health risks. He attributed the crisis to the city council's inaction, specifically their failure to approve contracts before the August recess.126
The emergency declaration, now in its third week, allows the city to bypass the usual council approval process under state executive law, enabling immediate action to address the infrastructure issues. Restaino emphasized that the crumbling infrastructure is not a new problem, and the council's delay in funding has exacerbated the situation.
Restaino noted that he had informed a couple of council members about the need for emergency orders and contracts before making the declaration. He stated, “I wanted the administration to have everything in place with the lowest responsible bidders before announcing what’s been done.” The initial declaration lasts for 30 days but can be extended if necessary.57
The mayor's actions reflect a growing frustration with the council's inability to act on pressing infrastructure needs, which he believes jeopardizes the safety of residents in Niagara Falls.
“The emergency declaration allows the city to bypass normal council approval processes to address urgent infrastructure needs. Restaino emphasized that the issues of deteriorating roads and vacant properties have been longstanding, necessitating immediate action to ensure public safety.”
