Niagara Falls City Council Delays Vote on Centennial Park Land Offer Amid Concerns Over Funding and Transparency

Efforts to move forward with a land acquisition essential to Niagara Falls’ proposed Centennial Park development were put on hold Thursday night as City Council members opted to delay action on a financial offer tied to the project.

A proposal from Mayor Robert Restaino to offer over $4 million to Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR) for approximately five acres in the South End was tabled in a 3-2 council vote, effectively stalling progress on what city officials have described as a transformative redevelopment initiative.

The land in question sits in the heart of the city’s tourist corridor and is currently the focus of an eminent domain legal battle. The $4.029 million figure was derived from a recent independent property appraisal, but council members raised multiple concerns before proceeding with the offer.

Before approving the proposed land purchase, several lawmakers insisted on reviewing key documents. This includes an appraisal report and a feasibility study for the Centennial Park project, neither of which had been presented at the meeting for their review.

“Even if it’s a crappy one, show it to me,” said Councilman Brian Archie, expressing frustration at the absence of the feasibility report.

Archie also questioned the source of the $4 million in the city budget, asking for clarity on how the purchase would be funded. Acting Corporation Counsel Thomas DeBoy responded that no funding source had been finalized and emphasized that the offer is only a procedural step in a lengthy eminent domain process.

“The check isn’t being written tomorrow morning,” DeBoy assured the council. “This is the beginning, not the end.”

Complicating matters is an ongoing legal disagreement between the city and NFR regarding the legitimacy of NFR’s ownership claim. The land, once known as 10th Street Park, was allegedly transferred in the early 2000s through deals with former mayors Irene Elia and Vince Anello.

However, attorneys for the City now argues that the transfer was never finalized, citing the absence of required approval from the New York State Legislature, which would have legally cemented the transaction.

This unresolved dispute is currently under review in New York State Supreme Court where both parties are contesting ownership rights.

When asked by Councilman David Zajac about potential state support for the Centennial Park initiative, DeBoy reiterated the state's position: no funding talks will occur until the city secures full ownership of the property.

“The state will talk about money when the city has the property,” DeBoy said.

Centennial Park is envisioned as a year-round entertainment and recreation complex with plans that include:

-A 6,000- to 7,000-seat arena for sports and live events

-A secondary smaller venue for local and youth activities

-A splash pad convertible to an ice rink in winter

-A parking structure with rock-climbing walls and rooftop concert space

The full project is estimated to cost between $150 and $160 million and has been championed by Mayor Restaino as a game-changer for local tourism and economic development.

The City Council will revisit the offer once requested materials are submitted and reviewed.

Niagara Falls City Council Delays Vote on Centennial Park Land Offer Amid Concerns Over Funding and Transparency