Categories for Co-produced with WGRZ

May 28

2013

Numbers, history belie Cuomo’s Peace Bridge claims

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his minions are insisting long and loud that Canadian members of the authority that manages the Peace Bridge have shortchanged efforts to improve the American side of the bridge. But an analysis by Investigative Post found that nearly half of the $192.5 million spent or committed by the authority’s governing board since 1992 has been earmarked for work on the American side. What’s more, more funding has been committed to improve the plaza in Buffalo than in Fort Erie since the 9/11 terrorist attacks when projects on the books are factored in. Investigative Post also found[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 25

2013

Asthma plagues Peace Bridge neighborhood

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D’Youville Porter School is a few blocks from the Peace Bridge. Some 660 students attend the elementary school. A quarter have asthma. Instruction at the school includes reading, writing and, for some pupils, how to use an inhaler. “It is very difficult for these kids who are having asthma problems,” said Assunta Ventresca, director of health related services for Buffalo schools. Asthma is an epidemic on the Lower West Side. The victims, sometimes wheezing and struggling for breath, are in one in of every three households. Studies found asthma rates are nearly four times the national average in the neighborhoods[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 22

2013

Asthma epidemic near Peace Bridge

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An Investigative Post report produced in partnership with WGRZ has found a strong link between Peace Bridge pollution, especially diesel truck fumes, and high asthma rates in the neighborhood adjacent to the bridge. An analysis of scientific studies and other data shows asthma rates on the Lower West Side are about four times the national average and residents with asthma can be found in nearly one in three households in the neighborhood. Seven public schools on the West Side report more than 500 students suffer from asthma, including one-quarter of pupils at the elementary school located just two blocks from the bridge entrance. A federal study has established a link between diesel[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 17

2013

Eric Mower says ‘no mas’

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  A public relations firm cast in a bad light by its no-bid contract with the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority that paid up to $325 an hour is walking away from the work. Eric Mower + Associates sent the BMHA a letter today (Friday) saying it won’t compete for the new contract the authority put out to bid earlier this week. “In this climate we can’t help our client right now,” said Greg Loh, the firm’s managing partner. When asked what he meant by “this climate,” Loh responded: “I think that speaks for itself.” The housing authority, landlord to some 10,000 low-income[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 16

2013

Housing authority’s no-bid PR contract

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More than $90,000 later, the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority decides to put its public relations work out to bid. Which raises the question: “Does the authority require such high-priced help?” Jim Heaney discusses with WGRZ’s Scott Levin.

Posted 12 years ago

May 14

2013

Buffalo finally hires recycling coordinator

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Buffalo has its first recycling coordinator in four years. Commissioner of Public Works Steven Stepniak has selected Susan Attridge for the job that has been vacant since 2009. Attridge was hired May 2 at an annual salary of $54,500. She lives in Hamburg and will have to move to the city as a requirement for all Civil Service positions. The city hasn’t officially announced her hiring. The job had been funded but vacant, with many of the duties handled by Raymour Nosworthy, the son-in-law of University Common Council Member Bonnie Russell, an ally of Mayor Byron Brown. The city advertised the position[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 14

2013

Election law cops shrug shoulders at apparent violation

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The crime – or at least the appearance of one – is out there in plain sight. The intended victim is prepared to testify. But the investigators are nowhere to be found; not even curious, they say. Prosecutors and Board of Election officials agree that state election law prohibits the offering of public employment in exchange for running, or not running, for office. “You’re not supposed to do that,” said Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita. But Sergio Rodriquez, Buffalo’s Republican candidate for mayor, said in a televised interview taped March 18 that unnamed GOP operatives dangled a job offer[...]

Posted 12 years ago

May 13

2013

Dodging reporters at $325 per hour

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The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority, whose executive director said wasn’t paying for public relations consultants, has shelled out more than $90,000 for such services through a no-bid contract. Authority officials, meanwhile, continue to stonewall Investigative Post in its efforts to obtain related documents under the Freedom of Information Law.

Posted 12 years ago
Investigative Post