Grand Island-Tonawanda Ferry Reopens After 80 Years

Posted by & filed under Grand Island.

Grand Island-Tonawanda Ferry Reopens After 80 YearsWe have some exciting news for long-time residents of Grand Island: The Queen of Peace ferryboat has reopened, and is once again shuttling passengers between Tonawanda and Grand Island after an 8-decade hiatus.

According to The Buffalo News, the ferry’s legacy is being carried on by Matthew Scanlon Hamp and his brother, Fred Hamp, whose great-grandfather, Matthew Scanlon, captained a tugboat ferry service along the very same route. The elder Scanlon shepherded people, produce and whatever else needed carrying from Tonawanda to Grand Island and back again as early as the 1880s and 1890s.

Service on this particular line concluded in 1935, when the Grand Island bridges were built. Now, instead of being the primary mode of transport across the Niagara River, the ferry’s operators hope to attract hikers and cyclists who are looking for new routes to explore.

The ferry will run on Sundays through September 10th, and cost $15 per round-trip. It can handle about 45 passengers (and some of their bikes) at a time, and tickets will need to be purchased in advance.

Rick Davis, mayor of Tonawanda, is optimistic that the ferry will bring additional tourist traffic to the city. On either end of the ferry service, tourists and locals will find shops, restaurants and historical sites celebrating the area’s past.

If you’re new to the area, come visit us at Town Hall Terrace! Our apartments and townhomes offer top of the line amenities, spacious floor plans, and a relaxed country club environment, with 33 acres of beautifully-maintained landscape nestled in the heart of Grand Island, New York. Give us a call at (716) 773-2788 or contact us online today to learn more.

Large-Scale Community Solar Project Approved on Grand Island

Posted by & filed under Grand Island.

Large-Scale Community Solar Project Approved on Grand Island

The power grid on Grand Island is about to get a whole lot greener. Last month, the Town Board unanimously approved developer plans to build a $7 million community solar power plant on an 18-acre plot of industrial land along Bedell Road. When it’s complete, the project will be the largest community solar plant in the state. The solar plant will be constructed in a joint effort between BlueRock Solar and Active Solar Development.

Once it’s up and running, the power plant will include roughly 12,000 solar panels and provide electricity for about 400 homes and businesses throughout the community. Best of all, there will be no up-front costs to business owners and homeowners associated with the solar installation. Instead, the solar power will be implemented in a simple pay-as-you-go model designed to keeps energy bills low.

“We’re not running some type of line from the solar farm to your house,” said BlueRock Solar General Manager Michael Francis in an interview with WBFO. “You’re still getting electricity in the same way that you would otherwise. You’re just getting bill credits. And these bill credits are able to offset both the supply and the delivery portion of your bill.”

Construction crews will break ground on the project later this summer, and it’s expected to be operational by the end of the year. According to Francis, the impressive solar array will be clearly visible from Interstate 190, providing passersby with an eye-catching view of this innovative, forward-thinking community solar project. In the future, it could become a model for other similar solar plants in the region as well.

Want to learn more about all there is to love about living on Grand Island? Give us a call today at (716) 773-2788 to speak with a representative at Town Hall Terrace!

Don’t Miss These 4th of July Events Around Grand Island

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

Don’t Miss These 4th of July Events Around Grand IslandThe 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays of the year. The weather is always great, people are outside having good time and there are a ton of fun events and activities going on around Grand Island. If you haven’t made plans for the holiday yet, these 4th of July events will provide you with more than enough entertainment as you celebrate America’s independence.

4th of July Parade

From 9 a.m. until noon on the 4th of July, a parade will take place right after the Dick Bessel Memorial Run on Grand Island Boulevard. There will be so much to see during the parade, and everyone will be out to watch it. There’s no better way start your Independence Day celebration.

July 4th Celebration on the Waterfront

Do you want to show off your patriotism by wearing red, white and blue and checking out some of the best fireworks in the area? Stop by the celebration at Canalside in Buffalo, where you can watch the fireworks and kick back by the Erie Canal.

Hollowfest 4th of July Fair

Celebrating the 4th on the 4th is great, but since most people will have a long weekend this year, you can start the celebration early at this all-day event at Clarence Town Park on July 1, 2, and 3. There will be live music, a beer tent, rides and fun for the whole family.

Independence Eve at Coca-Cola Field

Why not celebrate Independence Day with America’s favorite pastime? You can catch a game between the Buffalo Bisons and the Syracuse Chiefs at Coca-Cola Field on the night of July 3, as well as a performance from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and the largest fireworks show of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates on all the events happening on and around Grand Island from your friends at Town Hall Terrace.

Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder Right in Our Backyard

Posted by & filed under Summer Activities.

Niagara Falls: A Natural Wonder Right in Our BackyardIf you’ve never visited Niagara Falls in the past, you should make a point to go this year! The falls themselves are incredibly majestic and you will be blown away by just how beautiful they truly are. But in addition to seeing all of the waterfalls that make Niagara Falls such a special place, there are also plenty of other attractions around them that you will want to check out as well. Here are just a few of the local attractions that you can enjoy when you’re in town, regardless of whether you are on the New York or Canadian side of the falls.

Niagara Falls State Park

Did you know that there’s more to do than just look at the waterfalls when you visit Niagara Falls? On the American side, you can take a hike through the nation’s oldest state park and see even more sights.

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower, which is located on the Ontario side of the falls, is the tallest total entertainment complex in the area. It will give you access to great views of the waterfalls, but it will also provide you with a dozen specialty shops, a revolving dining room and a huge indoor amusement park that your kids will absolutely love.

Old Fort Niagara

There is so much history in and around Niagara Falls. Back in the 1700s, France and Britain controlled Niagara Falls from their base at Old Fort Niagara. You can go back in time and see what life was like back then by touring this attraction that is located just minutes from the falls on the American side.

WildPlay Niagara

The waterfalls at Niagara Falls are exhilarating in and of themselves. But do you know what would make your trip to the falls even more exhilarating? Zip-lining while you visit! On the Ontario side, you can zip-line right next to the falls by taking a trip to WildPlay Niagara.

Town Hall Terrace is a 33-acre country club community located on Grand Island, conveniently situated between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Contact us today at 716-773-2788 to learn more about what makes Town Hall Terrace such a special place to live.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Beaver Island State Park

Posted by & filed under Grand Island, Summer Activities.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Beaver Island State Park On a clear day with blue skies and no clouds, you can catch a glimpse of Niagara Falls from the 950-acre oasis that is Beaver Island State Park.

Beaver Island, once the site of an ancient Indian burial mound, is located in the Upper Niagara River near the south end of Grand Island. The scenic expanse was also a favorite spot of a young Grover Cleveland, who had a group of friends that called themselves “The Jolly Reefers.” One of their favorite pastimes was going fishing by the head of the island.

Today, Beaver Island State Park is a local getaway for families and individuals seeking to enjoy a range of outdoor activities in one of the most scenic displays of nature that Western New York has to offer. The park includes hiking trails and biking trails for people of all skill levels, playgrounds, athletic fields and more. It’s also a great spot for fishing and bird watching; pelicans, swans and herons are all common sights in the area.

The expansive park even features two 18-hole golf courses—one for traditional golf and another for disc golf! The perimeter of the park is surrounded by a beautiful beach that stretches half a mile around the edge of the island. There truly is a little something for everyone at Beaver Island.

Summer will be here before we know it! Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll through nature, bask in the sun, Kayak down the Niagara River or enjoy a round of golf with friends, Beaver Island State Park is the place to be.

The Benefits of Patio Home Living

Posted by & filed under Patio Homes.

If you are looking for a comfortable and enjoyable living space, then you should take some time to think about living in one of our patio homes. Similar to condominiums, a patio home is part of a set of homes that are connected with a common outdoor area that all of the homes share. They are ideal for owners of all ages who are looking for affordable housing and a way to share a space with others. Renting a patio home at Town Hall Terrace offers a number of great benefits. Let’s look at a few of the advantages of patio home life on Grand Island.

Patio HomesNever Pay for Your Own Maintenance

Living in a patio home is similar to being in an apartment in terms of convenience, especially when it comes to any needed repairs or maintenance. Clogged sink or bad electrical switch? No need to stress about hiring a handyman when you rent with us. You get all the convenience of your home but with none of the headaches. Our property managers will also take care of lawn care, shoveling and plowing for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying your home and lawn, not maintaining it.

A Sense of Community

Being close to your neighbors creates a wonderful sense of security and enables you to create close relationships with those that you live near. The patio homes at Town Hall Terrace have been managed with a focus on creating a relaxed, quiet and inviting retirement community, meaning that you’re free to enjoy mingling with fellow members of the community to find others with shared interests and passions. Enjoy all your privacy balanced with access to community comforts and peers when you rent a patio home on Grand Island.

Range of Exclusive Features

Finally, our patio homes come with a slew of fantastic features that truly make our spaces stand out. Our spacious interiors include lots of space, with floor plans that span more than 1,150 square feet or living space. Each home comes with a large master bedroom, a guest bedroom – both with walk-in closets – as well as a well-appointed kitchen with hardwood floors and modern appliances. Patio homes also have a new washer and dryer in every unit and a large 1.5-car garage. All of Town Hall Terrace’s units are also pet friendly and our on-site security patrols help keep you feeling safe and secure at all times.

Rent with Town Hall Terrace

If you’re looking for a new home, seeking to downsize to a more manageable space, or just want a change of venue, Town Hall Terrace’s patio homes are the perfect solution. Located on Grand Island, it’s easy to get to and from destinations throughout Western New York, making it a great choice no matter where you work, play or socialize. Learn more about patio home living today by calling us at 716-773-2788 or schedule an appointment to tour our available homes.

Get Ready for Dyngus Day!

Posted by & filed under Things to Do Around Town Hall Terrace.

Yes, you read that right: Dyngus Day is around the corner! If you’re new to the Western New York area or considering a move to the region, you might be wondering what exactly is Dyngus Day?

Dyngus Day is an annual post-Lenten bash, held in Buffalo, New York. The celebration and parade attracts tens of thousands of attendees from around the country to celebrate the beginning of spring, listen to live music, and celebrate their Polish pride. Dyngus Day is a day for merrymaking, eating good food, and flirting with your friends and neighbors by tapping them playfully with sprigs of pussy willows, as the Dyngus Day website describes for the uninitiated.

Dyngus DayCelebrations for Dyngus Day are always held on the Monday following Easter, meaning this year’s celebrations will kick off a week from today – April 17. Downtown events officially kick off at Corpus Christie Church with a Mass at 11:30 a.m., followed by guided church tours, music, food and fun as everyone gathers for the big parade.

Events run all throughout the day downtown in Historic Polonia and the surrounding region. Check out the full schedule of events in the official 2017 Dyngus Day Guide. Parties taking place at bars are for those ages 21 and older, but there are some family-friendly options, like the live music and food festival at St. Casimir’s Social Center.

Whether you’re new to the area and looking for ways to get involved or WNY lifer, attending the Dyngus Day celebration is a great way to meet members of the community in a fun and festive atmosphere. Most events are located in downtown Buffalo, just a short drive from Town Hall Terrace in Grand Island.  To learn more about all the great benefits of living at Town Hall Terrace or to learn more about our currently available units, give us a call today at 716-773-2788.

Sign Up for Softball on Grand Island

Posted by & filed under Grand Island, Summer Activities.

Spring is in the air, which means it’s softball season! Whether you’re tired of staring at the wall while you run on a treadmill at the gym or looking to meet some new people in your neighborhood this spring, sign up for a softball league on Grand Island this season! Baseball is, after all, America’s pastime, which means you should participate, too.

Softball SeasonHere on Grand Island, there are women’s softball leagues, men’s softball leagues and co-ed leagues to suit players of all skill levels. You can register the kids, the whole family or just for yourself, allowing you to have fun on the field playing games with other community members and neighbors who live in the area – perhaps even enjoying happy hours after your games together. What better way to meet people than in a fun – and slightly competitive – environment?

There are four main fields where the leagues on Grand Island play – Veterans Park, Nike Base Diamond and Kaegebein Diamonds. All of these are within just a few minutes of Town Hall Terrace, making it easy for residents here to make it to the game on time. You’ll find Veterans Park, for example, just five minutes up Baseline Road, so you can head over after work to meet up with your softball team or take a short drive on a Saturday morning to play or watch games with your friends and neighbors.

Town Hall Terrace residents love the convenience, amenities and activities available here in Grand Island,  that provide opportunities to get involved  and enjoy the region together with their neighbors. The Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department puts these – and other – leagues together to give everyone a great chance to get out and enjoy the island’s venues, meet new people in the area, and get outside for a bit of fun and exercise. It’s a great way to help stay active – and to burn off some calories before hitting the local pub afterwards for a beer and some fries.

Whether you already live here, or you’re thinking of relocating, Town Hall Terrace is a great place to live. Complete a tenant application online now or call us today at 716-773-2788 to find out about our open listings.

Spring Cleaning: Five Must-Dos this Spring

Posted by & filed under Miscellaneous.

It’s now officially spring, and that means we’re only a few degrees away from barbecues and beers by the pool. But before we can celebrate the season, it’s time to get serious about one thing: spring cleaning. Here are five must-dos for you to tackle as part of your spring-cleaning list!

Pillows

Did you know that you’re supposed to be washing the whole pillow and not just the case? Think about it: our pillows are the collecting ground for dust, drool and pet dander, if you let your dog or cat sleep on the bed. This spring, toss your pillows in the laundry! If you haven’t replaced your pillows in the last few years, consider tossing them and starting fresh. Glamour says that we should be replacing our pillows at least once every three years.

Vacuum Under FurnitureUnder the Furniture

When’s the last time you vacuumed under the couch? No, not just under the lip where the edge of the vacuum fits, but under the entire thing. That means moving the couch and vacuuming up all the dust and grime (and probably at least a few crumbs from snacks) that has accumulated beneath over the years. You should also flip your cushions upside down and vacuum up any junk that may have fallen into the couch or chair.

Walls

Chances are there’s at least one lightly colored wall in your home. Have you inspected it closely lately? Notice anything, like dirt and dust? Home and Garden Magazine says that you should dust your walls once per year to remove allergens and keep your walls from looking dingy. Don’t forget to vacuum or sweep the floor after you dust the walls since you’ll be disturbing a lot of dust that will end up falling onto the floor!

Appliances

When’s the last time you gave your fridge a thorough cleaning? If the broccoli that you cooked last month shed a few bits in your crisper, chances are good that those little leftovers have started to go bad. At least once a year, take everything out of your fridge and scrub and disinfect the whole thing. Don’t overlook shelving and drawers, either. Not only do these need a cleaning, but they also are often home to three-year old salad dressings or long-expired condiments that should find a new home in your trash can.

Potted Plants

If you have any plants in your home, the spring is a good time to check them and see if they need to be repotted or need new, fresh soil added. Spring is the season of green and blooming, so there’s no better time to check on your greenery. Dust and dirt can also accumulate on your plants, so give them a rinse – either by hand or by letting them sit for a few minutes in the shower, recommends Apartment Therapy. Not only will this keep them clean, but it can also help deter insects, too.

If your spring cleaning also coincides with your time to move or renew your lease, why not check out the units at Town Hall Terrace? Our apartments, townhomes and patio homes are spacious and modern and offer plenty of space. Located on Grand Island, we’re a quick drive to and from anywhere – Niagara Falls, downtown Buffalo and other locations throughout Western New York. Learn more by calling us today at 716-773-2788 or apply for tenancy online now.

Getting Deals on Your Move: Making Moving More Affordable

Posted by & filed under Moving Tips.

It can be a huge expense to move. Not only do you need to balance your finances while changing locations, ending and starting leases, and canceling and beginning utility services, but you have to pay the moving guys to pack up all your possessions and move them to your new place. We know that moving isn’t always stress-free, but there are a number of ways that you can save a ton of money on your moving costs.

Lifehacker says the first thing you need to go is get a quote for movers, but don’t just go by the advertised price on the website. If you’re seeing vastly different prices from one moving company to the next, pick up the phone and ask them to give you an actual quote. You’ll find that the price advertised online is often a too-good-to-be-true deal and probably doesn’t apply to your situation. On the other side of things, though, you may be able to negotiate a better price by speaking with someone directly.

For example, if you can be flexible about the days you move, you may want to ask the moving company if it would be cheaper if you moved a day or two earlier or later. Sometimes weekend prices are increased because the demand for moving vans and movers is higher. But if you have the flexibility to plan your move on a Wednesday, you might be able to save hundreds.

The season also plays a role in pricing. If you can, HireAHelper suggests that you avoid moving in the summer – the busiest traffic season for moving during the year. That’s because many college students and families will move during this time between semesters and school years, plus the warmer weather makes it more comfortable to move. Allied Van Lines says you’ll get the best deal between November and December, so if you can move during the holiday season, you might be able to save even more.

US News and World Report also suggests that you take moving as an opportunity to take stock of your belongings and sell any items you’re willing to part with online or through a garage sale. While you might not think selling some extra dishes, books or other items would make you a ton of money, it will definitely add up and help. Plus, but having less to move, you’ll also save on your moving costs, especially if you get rid of a large item like an unused bookshelf, couch or bedframe.

Another way you can save is by getting packing boxes from area businesses. Bankrate says that you should check with your local liquor store to see if you can have some boxes. These are often very sturdy and reliable boxes that are perfect for packing, which means you won’t have to spend a fortune at the office supply store stocking up for your move.

Finally, if you’re hiring movers by the hour, pack up your home and even consider loading as much into your truck as you can before they arrive. That way you’re not paying for their time to do something you could have done. The more initiative that you take to be prepared will pay off in savings once moving day arrives.

If you’re thinking about moving, but not sure where you’ll be moving to, check out Town Hall Terrace. We have apartments, townhouses, and patio homes available now on Grand Island, a convenient location in Western New York that offers a short drive to Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the towns and cities throughout the region. Find out more about our currently available units by giving us a call today at 716-773-2788.