Legislator Rich Andres

08/24/2026

Over the weekend I attended a presentation by sculptor Susan Geissler at the North Tonawanda History Museum, where she shared her vision for the sculpture project I first began working on couple years ago. One of Susan’s most recent and most impressive works that you may be aware of is the Lock Tenders sculpture that was unveiled a few years ago in the City of Lockport.

Recently, we brought together a group of interested individuals to discuss the project and the path forward. I’m excited to see the momentum building again, and we plan to reintroduce the project to the North Tonawanda Common Council in the fall.

08/21/2026

Great news for NT. The city has been awarded $1 million from the County Infrastructure Grant Program to help prepare the Bridge Street Landing site on Tonawanda Island for future development of the VisoneCo. apartments and mixed-use project.

This investment will support converting the former fire department training facility property into a build-ready site with new utility line expansions, environmental remediation infrastructure, stormwater drainage, new asphalt and streetscaping, and more.

Another important investment in the continued growth and revitalization of our waterfront.

A North Tonawanda project is among 49 across the state that were awarded portions of $38 million through the County Infrastructure Grant Program.

08/16/2026

Yesterday, I had the honor of presenting a Niagara USA 250 Challenge Coin to Suzanne Todaro, owner of Gleam & Glimmer Stained Glass Studio, a longtime staple of Webster Street and our downtown community.

Suzanne has also played an important role in helping plan the Arts & Eats Festival, an event that continues to bring people downtown to enjoy local art, food, music and businesses.

The festival is still going on today, so there’s still time to head down to Webster Street, enjoy everything the festival has to offer, and support our great local businesses.

08/14/2026

Webster Street and our downtown have truly come a long way. I remember during my time on the City Council seeing the vision and path for downtown begin to take shape, building on investments that started years earlier with places like Re*****on Tavern.

More than 15 years later, Webster Street has grown into a destination unlike any other in the Northtowns. That success continues because of the strong partnership between the city, county, state, and most importantly, the business owners and entrepreneurs who continue to invest, grow, and strengthen our downtown.

I encourage everyone to come down this weekend for this great event! Check out some of the new businesses that have recently opened, support our local businesses, and enjoy some great food and live music.

There’s a lot happening on Webster Street, and it’s exciting to see our downtown continue to grow.

08/12/2026

Another North Tonawanda business is expanding.

Techniglass Corp., a 28-year-old company currently located on Thompson Street, is planning a major expansion across the street that would include 24,000 square foot multi-tenant warehousing in partnership with IDEK LLC.

The long term goal of Techniglass is construct a 20,000 square foot facility at Buffalo Bolt Business Park.

Techniglass Corp., a 28-year-old manufacturer of equipment for the stained-glass industry, is seeking to expand across the street while adding incubator space for startup firms.

08/11/2026

The great folks at the Erie-Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club are once again putting on this great event at Gratwick Park to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. I highly encourage those you haven’t been to the ones put on in the past to attend the majestic field of 1,200 full sized U.S. flags that will be on our waterfront. I also encourage those to buy a flag in the name of a servicemember or victim of the attacks in support of the Healing Field project.

Thank you to everyone who puts on this important event to make sure we “Never Forget.”

08/09/2026

Campaign yard signs are coming back soon!

If you’d like to help me spread the word and show your support in your neighborhood, sign up to receive a yard sign using the online form below.

I’m truly grateful for everyone who has supported this campaign so far! Thank you all for the support.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZeDq6is0scKw8yxzLSe0GzDeAEDyNrKZT-RjO9V2dkznZLg/viewform?usp=send_form

08/05/2026

Please join us in thanking Niagara County Legislators Rich Andres, Randy Bradt, and Jesse Gooch for their generous sponsorship of Arts & Eats on Webster!

Because of community leaders like you, we're able to create a vibrant weekend celebrating local businesses, delicious food, incredible artists, live music, family activities, and the unique spirit of Downtown North Tonawanda.

Thank you for believing in our community—we couldn't do it without partners like you!

08/02/2026

Great evening yesterday with friends and family at the Niagara County USA 250 Celebration at Old Fort Niagara.

It was awesome to see so many people come together to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary in one of the most historic places in New York and the country. The drone show over the fort was an incredible way to cap off the night.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make the event happen including the Niagara USA 250 Committee and its Co-Chairs Bob Emerson and Irene Myers.

07/30/2026

Great time and crowd last night down at the Gateway Concert Series that Legislators Bradt, Gooch, and I sponsor every year. Last night, a WNY fan favorite, Nerds Gone Wild, played along with XOXO Pop Band.

Twenty-five years ago, I was the Harbor Master down at Gateway, colloquially known as Pinochle Park back then. It was a ghost town, but I always believed it had potential. I can remember when it was impressive to get 200 people down there, let alone thousands. It’s awesome to see what it has transformed into.

Gateway Harbor has truly become a hidden gem in area and one of the best places to spend a summer evening. If you haven’t been down lately, you’re missing out.