As you are driving down Route 5 coming from Buffalo, you will eventually reach a city living in the past, among large industrial buildings barely used. A long strip of land seemingly wasted. There is though some modern aspects to this city nestled between Buffalo and Hamburg. There are several windmills on that same lot that take our cold air and transfer it to clean energy. The contrast between old and modern technology is remarkable. For years Lackawanna has lived in the shadows of the steel plant ,stuck in a time that has long since passed. Now though, there is hope for the future, but what else do steel city residents have besides windmills?
Things seem to be looking up for Lackawanna. Right now most people outside the city see it as something of the past, but the city is looking to change that. Michael Sobaszek, Executive Director of the Lackawanna Chamber of Commerce, is optimistic about things turning around for the city. "It's really an exciting time for Lackawanna." The city is looking to turn that entire heavily traveled strip of Route 5 into a new look for the city time forgot.
It's hard to miss the windmills and if everything goes as planned it will be even harder to miss the changes that are in store for this small suburb. "With the county's commitment to moving the rail lines back. We've got 104 acres opening up next year to be developed. What we are hoping for, out of the site, is pretty much like commerce drive- a nice industrial park with greenery." Michael Sobaszek said, when asked about the upcoming plans for the city.
The plans are already in motion. On October 16 th the Best Western hotel will have it's Grand Opening. Why a hotel? Why at that location? "They have gotten in at the perfect time. With all that land across the street you're going to have companies coming in interested in the site, you're going to have business people that are looking at the site, the construction managers coming in, and they are going to stay someplace. It is a perfect site right there for the hotel." Sobaszek said.
What can this hotel do for the city of Lackawanna? For one it will bring in jobs, nearly 80% of it's current staff are Lackawanna residents. It will also provide a place for out of town family members to stay during the holidays. Can the hotel help the city escape out of the dominating shadows of the city of Buffalo and the giant steel plants? Only time will tell.