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By: Arthur Pappas

Mayor of North Tonawanda

I realize that resident’s patience is extremely stressed to the limit. Three times a week at least I have a phone conference with Niagara County Health Department and leaders of all county towns and cities. When I pass on information to you it is from those conferences and from the orders put out by the Governor. Recommendations made and numbers given are from those agencies. I also confer with the Police and Fire Chiefs before a recommendation is made. Like you I am anxious to return to work as normal but under their guidelines/mandates I must refrain for the safety of everyone. The Governor is often changing his orders daily and keeps us questioning as how to proceed. One day something is open and then closed the next. Presently Niagara County numbers are low comparatively, but we want to strive to keep them that way. The majority of informed residents are trying to comply although difficult, but I commend those for thinking of others not just themselves.

Niagara County has 428 positive cases with 53 in NT and 22 County deaths. This does not take into account the number of people who have not been tested and are contagious.  Please remain calm and positive so we can survive this pandemic with the least amount of affected people.

Due to the government relying on the public to abide by social distancing, the County has opened golf courses. The Deerwood/ Fairway’s Golf Course will open by appointment only with no leagues allowed to congregate. Golfers will be required to wear masks. stay 6 ft. apart and not use golf carts. The course may open in 2 weeks depending on the weather. The County also has opened boat launches, marinas, boatyards, and campgrounds but strictly monitored. Playgrounds and pools at the campgrounds will remain closed, however. Boating is allowed but with no rafting and boats only with immediate family on board.

Construction on Webster and Main Streets will resume in the coming week with the reversal of the State order deeming it now essential. Traffic will be rerouted, as necessary. Reminder that Bulk Pick up will resume the week of May 3rd with extra items being place in plastic bags when possible.

By law, the Governor of the State will determine when we are allowed to enter Phase One which restricts no more than groups of 10 to gather, no non- essential travel, daycare, schools and bars closed, and continued social distancing. Until we are allowed to enter Phase One, we must remain under current guidelines/mandates even though we feel too restricted. My intent is not to provide a gloomy picture, but to keep you informed about the situation at hand and what our responsibilities are as citizens of this city. We all must work together to create a happy outcome. Please stay healthy, stay in touch with loved ones, and remain confident that we will get through this nightmare.