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Niagara Falls is poised for development, but will Empire State Development deliver

For years, Empire State Development blamed its lackluster performance in Niagara Falls — through its subsidiary investment vehicle USA Niagara Development — on its lack of landholdings in the tourism district.  Without the land, economic development deals were difficult to

Niagara Falls

Subdued hotel groundbreaking has Hamister making excuses

BY MIKE HUDSON State and local officials were looking sheepish and Buffalo developer Mark Hamister was spinning excuses at Tuesday’s long delayed groundbreaking for a small, midmarket hotel project that was first announced four years ago. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul

Niagara Falls

Hamister seeking big return on Hyatt Place deal

By Tony Farina, The Niagara Falls Reporter City and state leaders promised a hotel to save downtown Niagara Falls if only Mark Hamister were treated kindly enough by taxpayers with a gift-wrapped, nearly free, prime downtown parcel at 310 Rainbow Blvd.