Niagara Falls Mayor Extends State of Emergency Amidst Council Criticism
Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino has extended the city's state of emergency for the third time since July 20. The mayor cited neglected properties, unpaved roads, and blight as ongoing risks to public health and safety. Under New York state law, this declaration allows the mayor to bypass certain city council approvals for contracts and budget expenditures. Despite having the option to request state assistance from Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Restaino has chosen not to, instead hiring private vendors to address the issues without council approval. This decision has drawn criticism from council members Bridgette Myles and Vincent Cauley, who argue the emergency declaration is unnecessary and question the mayor's motives, particularly given the lack of a clear action plan. The mayor maintains that the council's reluctance to approve contracts left him no alternative but to declare the emergency to tackle these problems.
