Three-Million Dollar Home Sale Sets Record

Who says the real estate market's hurting? A new local high-water mark was set with the three-million dollar sale of a 15,000 square-foot home on Boston State Road. The sale price shatters the old record of one-point-four million set for a sale on Old Lake Shore Road in Evans.

Market, Mayor at Odds over Auction

The dispute between Broadway Market management and the city continues. The Market board says it will auction off everything possible before handing the landmark over to the city at the end of the month. Mayor Brown will have an announcement about the situation this afternoon.

Election Fraud Alleged

The Erie County Board of Elections is investigating a possible case of election fraud. Democratic operative Steve Pigeon's "Citizens for Fiscal Integrity" group is accused of laundering thousands of dollars from Sabres owner Tom Golisano's political action committee and others. Board Commissioner Ralph Mohr wants a criminal investigation.

Falls Loan Case Headed to Grand Jury

A case involving former Niagara Falls mayor Vincent Anello and developer "Smokin' Joe" Anderson is headed to a grand jury. At issue is an interest-free, 40-thousand dollar loan Anello received from Anderson, which Anello says was used to meet payroll for his private business. There are allegations that Smokin' Joe received preferential treatment regarding downtown properties he operated.

NFTA Fare Hikes Coming?

The NFTA board votes today on fare hikes for Metro Bus and rail riders. If approved, the cost of a one-way trip would rise from 1-50 to 1-75, starting January 1st. Officials say ridership is up, largely because of the cost of gas, but the increases are stil needed to close a three-million dollar budget gap.

County Fees Rise in Proposed Budget

Also going up: fees for a variety of county services, from park shelter rentals, to rounds of golf and health clinic visits. It's all part of County Executive Chris Collins' proposed 2009 budget. For example, the cost of an annual county golf pass would go up from 350 to 380 dollars next year. The budget also includes a proposed three-point-six percent property tax hike.
County Legislators began sifting through the budget yesterday. Michelle Ianello says the final word on budget cuts will come from Collins himself.

East Side Halfway House Rejected

Plans for a halfway house in a former East Side rectory have been squashed by the Buffalo Zoning Board. In a unanimous vote yesterday, the board turned down Cephas' bid to convert the Saints Peter and Paul Church rectory at Clinton and Smith Streets into housing for up to eight ex-cons at a time. Neighbors had objected strongly to the proposal.