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Resident alleges trafficking at Delaware Street property; council pledges follow-up as parks, pool staffing discussed
Summary
A Tonawanda resident alleged ongoing drug activity and human-trafficking at a rental on Delaware Street and urged the city to act; councilmembers said they will pursue records and enforcement options.
A resident told the Tonawanda Common Council on Aug. 5 that her neighborhood is being harmed by persistent drug activity and what she characterized as human-trafficking at a rental property on Delaware Street.
"We have human trafficking issues happening within the city," Fridhi Priano said, identifying herself as a resident of 44 Scott Street and recounting recent incidents she said she had witnessed and reported. Priano told the council she had contacted county and state representatives and planned to involve federal authorities and community groups if the city did not act.
Councilmember Chris Fisher and other members acknowledged receipt of resident complaints and said police records show repeated activity at the address. Fisher said staff had discussed nuisance-law options with the city attorney and that the police were aware of the complaints. "We hear you, and we're working on it," Fisher said, committing to forward resident emails to relevant offices and to follow up with enforcement and records review.
During the same meeting the council discussed parks operations: Kohler Pool is scheduled to close in about two weeks because of lifeguard shortages, but the newly fenced splash pad can remain open. Councilmembers asked parks staff and finance staff (named in the meeting as Adam and Nate) to review budget lines related to personnel changes in the parks department. The council discussed a request from Superintendent Fronczak for a $15,000 stipend for extra duties this year; previously the council had approved a $5,000 stipend. Members asked staff to verify budget savings and return with specific figures before approving any additional pay.
What happens next: council members and staff said they will obtain police logs for the Delaware Street address, explore nuisance-enforcement options with the city attorney, and have parks/finance staff report back with budget details about the superintendent request and staffing implications for the upcoming season.
