Proposal Would Give NFTA, Air Force Right to Review Development Around Base

Oct. 17--Under a pending proposal, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and the Air Force would be able to review development plans near Niagara Falls International Airport and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Although they would not be able to veto projects, they would be able to discourage construction projects with features that might interfere with aviation operations, said Thomas J. DeSantis, Niagara Falls' acting director of planning, environment and economic development.

For example, "They don't like water features. They attract birds and reflect light," DeSantis said.

The Niagara Falls Planning Board will hold a public hearing Nov. 12 on the Airport Protection Overlay District. The board would vote Nov. 26 and send the matter to the City Council for final approval, DeSantis said.

Wheatfield already has approved the idea, and the Town of Niagara is drafting a plan. The Falls district would cover the LaSalle area east of Military Road.

The measure would show community support for the base in case of another federal closure effort, DeSantis said.

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