A Chapter of Sardinia's History

In searching the web to see what information about Sardinia is available, I found this book chapter, hosted at Niagara University, about the "History of the Town of Sardinia" (Adobe PDF). Imagine living in this town 200 years ago!

A Wild Idea on Municipal Energy

Like most other rational adults, seeing the numbers on the electric bill tick up, up and up each month makes my head spin. But it's also made me think. 

According to the Nebraska government web site, New York has some of the highest electric rates in the country. Only Hawaii is higher. Think about that for a minute. We have Niagara Falls, windmills, a reasonably distributed population, a highly-developed infrastructure, and New York is basically dead last on that list. That is criminal.

From what I've heard anecdotally, the villages of Arcade and Springville buy energy directly from the "grid," resulting in lower electric rates for residents. The Arcade web site, as of 2005 at least, cites their rates as among the lowest in the country. Someone, correct me if I'm wrong? 

Why can't the Town of Sardinia do the same thing? Or buy into the Springville or Arcade programs? 

Good Ideas for Sardinia?

The ideas from the Sardinia community meeting on November 6 have not yet been publicized. That's a shame. I wish I had taken notes, and I hope the results of the meeting are made public soon.

The three ideas that stand out in my mind, for good and for bad:

- a community center. As an idea, it's great. But looking at the state of the state's economy and general economic downturn, does it qualify as a good investment for a town of less than 3,000 people? I'd rather see a short-term plan to support small businesses and development in the town to bring people here, and generate a greater need for such a center.

- small business loans. Micro-loans are gaining popularity in developing nations throughout Africa and Central and South America. Why not extend that idea to local businesses? An investment in small businesses helps in both the short-term and long-term.

- web site. A blog like this site could be great, but it doesn't compare to an official, permanent and evolving Town web site. We shall see if progress has been made by the December board meeting.

The overarching theme of the meeting focused on a question: what is the plan for the town? Right now I can't even guess at what that plan could be. Until the board and community leaders articulate what their vision of the town looks like, and strategizing about doing good things in Sardinia is like throwing darts in the dark.

Senior Thanksgiving Dinner Set for November 18 at the Hearth

The Senior Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at the Hearth Restaurant on November 18 at 12:30 p.m. The Hearth is located on Rt. 16 in Chaffee.

Planning Board Meetings, November 19 and December 3

The next Planning Board meetings will be held on November 19 and December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
I have no idea where, but the Town Hall main number should be able to connect you with that information (716-496-8900).

Regular Sardinia Town Board Meeting, December 10

The next regular town board meeting will be held at the Sardinia Town Hall on Monday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Just testing the concept

At last night's November Town Board meeting, the statement was made, and reiterated, that a Town of Sardinia web site would be available "soon." Thanks to the magic of Blogger.com, I was able to create this web site "immediately."

Unlike the posts I've read on hometic.com and at the Sardinia Standard, which I will not link to here, I will be putting my name to everything I post on this site. I invite other town residents to send their comments to be published, with attribution, here. My email is karamariek@gmail.com, and that is the best way to reach me.