The Mist Report

The Mist Report Weekly Podcast discussing News and Politics in and around Niagara Falls NY -

05/07/2025

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Even in one of the most beautiful places in the world if citizens don’t show up, the city slows down.We Pay, They Play —...
05/06/2025

Even in one of the most beautiful places in the world if citizens don’t show up, the city slows down.

We Pay, They Play — It’s Time for Fairness in Niagara Falls

For decades, the people of Niagara Falls have shouldered the burden of hosting millions of tourists while the State of New York reaps the benefits from state-run attractions, parking lots, and concessions right in our backyard. We maintain the roads, pick up the trash, provide police and fire protection, and keep the city running — but we’re left with the bill while Albany cashes in.

It’s time for that to change.

A modest surcharge on tickets and parking at state-run sites — or better yet, a shared revenue agreement — is not just fair, it’s common sense. Other cities around the country benefit from tourism-driven fees that are reinvested back into their local communities. Why not Niagara Falls?

This isn’t about punishing tourism — it’s about making tourism work for us.

We deserve clean parks, stronger neighborhoods, better infrastructure, and safer streets — and we can afford it if we simply receive our fair share from the industry we support every single day.

Let’s stop letting Albany play while we pay.

Let’s demand a better deal — for a better Niagara, now.

This Week on The Mist ReportTune in for real talk and local insight as we cover the stories that matter most to Niagara ...
05/03/2025

This Week on The Mist Report
Tune in for real talk and local insight as we cover the stories that matter most to Niagara Falls:

• A breakdown of this week’s Mayoral update—what’s being said, and what it means for our city.

• Viewer Submission: “What can we do about bad landlords?” I’ll share my take and possible solutions.

• DPW Cleanup: Is it just “part of the job”—or a sign of deeper issues? Let’s unpack it.

• Is Niagara Falls Being Hoodwinked? We’ll take a hard look at state funding and what we’re really getting back.

Unfiltered. Community-focused. Niagara Falls at the center.

Sunday at 8PM | Don’t miss it.

04/30/2025

Comment your thoughts below -

Proposal for a Shared Revenue Agreement Between the City of Niagara Falls, NY and New York State

Title: A Shared Revenue Agreement for the State Park at Niagara Falls

Submitted by: Shawn Le Vick, Candidate for Niagara Falls City Council

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Executive Summary:

The purpose of this proposal is to request the State of New York to establish a shared revenue agreement with the City of Niagara Falls, specifically for a percentage of the revenues generated from the New York State-owned Niagara Falls State Park. As one of the premier tourist destinations in the world, the park generates significant income for the state, yet the city, which hosts and supports the infrastructure around the park, receives minimal direct financial benefits from its operations. A shared revenue agreement would provide necessary resources to the City of Niagara Falls, helping fund essential services, improve tourism infrastructure, and support local businesses.

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Background:

Niagara Falls State Park is not only a national treasure but also a major economic engine for the State of New York. Millions of visitors each year come to the park, generating revenue through entry fees, parking, and other attractions. However, while the state benefits greatly from the influx of tourism, the City of Niagara Falls, where the park is located, does not receive a sufficient share of the generated revenue to support the increased demand for city services and infrastructure.

The city’s public services—ranging from public safety, sanitation, infrastructure, and tourism services—are stretched thin as they accommodate the influx of tourists that the state park attracts. In light of the immense contribution Niagara Falls State Park makes to New York State’s economy, the city should receive a portion of the revenue to reinvest into the local community, enhance tourism services, and improve quality of life for residents.

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Proposal:

The City of Niagara Falls proposes the establishment of a shared revenue agreement with the State of New York, specifically regarding the revenues generated by Niagara Falls State Park. Under this agreement, the city would receive a percentage of the revenue derived from:
1. Park Entry Fees: A percentage of the revenue generated from entrance fees to the state park.
2. Parking Revenue: A percentage of parking fees collected at state-owned lots located near or within the park.
3. Tourism-Related Services: A share of the revenue from state-run attractions, souvenir shops, and other tourism-based operations within the park’s vicinity.

The funds generated from this agreement would be earmarked for the following initiatives:
• Infrastructure Improvements: Enhancing city streets, parks, and public spaces that tourists frequently visit.
• Public Safety: Expanding and improving public safety services to ensure that both visitors and residents are safe.
• Tourism Services: Creating and maintaining resources for tourists, including information centers, improved signage, and event programming to attract more visitors year-round.
• Community Development: Funding programs aimed at revitalizing downtown Niagara Falls, enhancing public amenities, and supporting local businesses.

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Rationale:
1. Economic Impact: Niagara Falls State Park is the major driver of tourism for the city. Yet, the revenue from the park’s operations largely benefits the state and does not proportionally contribute to the local community that bears the burden of maintaining infrastructure and services for visitors. By sharing a percentage of these revenues, the city can better manage the influx of tourism while investing in local needs.
2. Improved Quality of Life: The revenue-sharing agreement will help the city meet its needs for essential services, like public safety and infrastructure improvements, allowing for a better living environment for residents and a more enjoyable experience for visitors.
3. Strengthening Local Businesses: Supporting small businesses in the surrounding areas and improving the tourism infrastructure will encourage longer stays and higher tourist spending, which benefits the city’s local economy.
4. Fair Compensation for the City’s Role: The city hosts the park and supports the surrounding infrastructure, yet it does not receive direct financial compensation for the tourism services it provides. A revenue-sharing model is a fair way to ensure that the city benefits from the economic activities generated by the park.

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Implementation:
1. Legislation: A bill will need to be introduced to the New York State Legislature to authorize the shared revenue agreement. This bill will define the percentage of revenue to be allocated to the city, specify the categories of revenue to be included, and determine the process for fund allocation.
2. Revenue Collection and Distribution: The state will be responsible for collecting the relevant fees (entry, parking, etc.). A portion of the revenue will then be transferred to the City of Niagara Falls through a specified revenue-sharing mechanism.
3. Transparency and Accountability: To ensure transparency, the funds received by the city will be accounted for and directed to the aforementioned projects. An annual report detailing the usage of these funds will be provided to both the state and local government.

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Conclusion:

This proposal calls for a shared revenue agreement between the State of New York and the City of Niagara Falls to ensure the local community directly benefits from the tourism-driven revenue generated by Niagara Falls State Park. By fairly compensating the city for its role in supporting this vital state asset, we can invest in improving the city’s infrastructure, public services, and tourism services. This partnership will strengthen Niagara Falls as both a premier destination for visitors and a vibrant community for its residents.

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Next Steps:
1. Advocate for Legislative Support: Mobilize support within the Niagara Falls City Council, local stakeholders, and state legislators to pass the proposed legislation.
2. Public Engagement: Hold public meetings and informational sessions to educate residents and businesses about the proposal and gather support.
3. Collaborate with State Officials: Work with state representatives to craft the legislation and ensure it meets the needs of both the city and the state.

⸻

By implementing this shared revenue agreement, we can ensure that the economic benefits of Niagara Falls State Park are more equitably distributed, helping to create a sustainable, thriving community that benefits both residents and visitors.

I want to hear from YOU!As I gear up for this election season, let’s connect.What’s on your mind? What questions do you ...
04/29/2025

I want to hear from YOU!
As I gear up for this election season, let’s connect.

What’s on your mind? What questions do you have about our city, our future, or a vision for Niagara Falls? What is one question do you wish each candidate had to answer 100% honestly ?

Drop a question below—no topic is off the table. Let’s start a real conversation

04/26/2025

Good Saturday morning, Niagara Falls! 🌞

Let's talk about something I’ve noticed during election seasons: why do political candidates often set sky-high expectations with goals that seem impossible to achieve? 🤔

Here in Niagara Falls, NY, we hear promises of shiny new projects like "building playgrounds" or grand community upgrades, but too often, these ideas come without a realistic economic plan. Why? It’s simple—vague, feel-good promises grab attention and votes.

Playgrounds sound wonderful (who doesn’t love kids playing happily?), but they don’t address the nitty-gritty of how to fund them without piling more stress on taxpayers already feeling the pinch.

Crafting obtainable economic plans is tough. It requires transparency, hard numbers, and sometimes admitting that not every dream project is feasible right now.

That’s less exciting than rallying a crowd with big ideas, so candidates lean into the flashy stuff. But those unattainable goals? They risk becoming broken promises, leaving us frustrated when the budget doesn’t add up.

What if, instead, candidates focused on practical solutions—like streamlining city costs, supporting local businesses, or fixing infrastructure—without adding financial burdens? That’s the kind of leadership that could truly lighten the load for Niagara Falls families.

What do you think? Should candidates prioritize realistic plans over crowd-pleasing promises?

Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep this conversation going! 💬

04/24/2025

🌞 Happy Thursday morning, Niagara Falls families! 🌊 Imagine our neighborhoods buzzing with laughter, kids playing safely, and neighbors feeling like one big family.

That’s the heart of my vision to revitalize our block clubs, and I believe using Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) is the key to bringing back the greatness of Niagara Falls! 🙌

By focusing on the strengths, talents, and resources already in our community, we can solve problems together and make every block a place where families thrive. Here’s the plan:

🌟Rebuild Connection with Block Clubs

Problem: Many neighbors don’t know each other, leading to isolation and weaker community ties.

Solution: Restart block clubs with monthly family-friendly meetups in backyards, community centers, or parks. Picture potlucks where kids play games, parents swap stories, and everyone feels at home. Using ABCD, we’ll map out who in the neighborhood has skills—like organizing, cooking, or teaching—to lead these gatherings.

🌟Make Streets Safer for Kids and Families

Problem: Some areas feel unsafe, keeping families indoors.

Solution: Block clubs can host safety workshops with local police and fire departments, teaching kids bike safety and families how to spot concerns. We’ll start “walking school buses” where parents take turns walking kids to school. ABCD means tapping into retired neighbors or local volunteers who can be extra eyes on the street, creating a network of care.

🌟Clean Up and Beautify Our Blocks

Problem: Vacant lots and litter can make neighborhoods feel neglected.

Solution: Organize family cleanup days where kids paint murals, teens plant gardens, and adults tackle trash. ABCD helps by identifying local artists, gardeners, or businesses who can donate supplies or teach skills. Imagine turning an empty lot into a community garden where families grow veggies together!

🌟Engage Kids and Teens

Problem: Young people often feel left out, with few activities to keep them involved.

Solution: Block clubs will create youth councils where kids and teens plan events like talent shows, sports days, or STEM workshops. Using ABCD, we’ll find neighbors who are coaches, musicians, or tech enthusiasts to mentor our youth. This gives kids a voice and a purpose, building pride in their community.

🌟Support for Block Clubs

Problem: Block clubs often lack resources to sustain efforts.

Solution: Partner with local churches, schools, and businesses to provide small grants, meeting spaces, or supplies. ABCD means discovering hidden assets—like a neighbor with grant-writing experience or a business willing to donate snacks for meetings—to keep clubs thriving.

Why ABCD? It’s about seeing Niagara Falls for what it already has: talented people, passionate families, and a deep love for our city. Instead of waiting for outside help, we’ll unlock the power within our neighborhoods. Every family has something to contribute—whether it’s a skill, a story, or a helping hand.

Together, we can make our blocks places where kids grow up safe, neighbors look out for each other, and Niagara Falls shines as a true community.

💙 Want to bring this vision to your block? Comment below - Let’s make Niagara Falls a place where every family feels at home! ✨

04/24/2025

As Niagara Falls heads into another city council election, candidates are rolling out familiar promises—big, intangible goals like "revitalizing our city" or "restoring community pride."

Ever wonder why these vague pledges dominate campaigns? And why do they often feel disconnected from our real needs? Let’s dive in.

Intangible goals are a strategic choice. They’re broad enough to inspire without tying candidates to specific, measurable outcomes that could be hard to achieve.

Niagara Falls grapples with tough issues—economic decline, aging infrastructure, over-reliance on tourism—that defy quick fixes. Promising something concrete, like "creating 500 jobs by 2027," invites scrutiny if it falls short.

So, candidates opt for safe, uplifting visions like "enhancing quality of life," which sound great but lack a clear roadmap.

These promises also play to emotions, tapping into our longing for a thriving Niagara Falls. Candidates know we want hope, so they lean on lofty rhetoric to connect.

But here’s where a lack of emotional intelligence often shows up. Many candidates fail to read the room—voters aren’t just craving inspiration; we’re frustrated, skeptical, and desperate for authenticity.

Pledging vague ideals without acknowledging the gritty realities we face can feel tone-deaf, like they’re not truly listening to our struggles or fears. Emotional intelligence means understanding and validating those feelings, not just serving up feel-good buzzwords that ring hollow over time.

As voters, we deserve better. Let’s challenge candidates to pair their visions with specific plans, how will they deliver, and what does success look like? More than that, let’s demand they show real empathy, addressing our concerns with honesty and depth. Next time you hear a promise that’s big but blurry, ask for details and a genuine connection to what we’re feeling.

What’s your take—how can we push for candidates who combine clear plans with real emotional smarts? 🗳️

Any suggestions?
04/22/2025

Any suggestions?

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