Niagara County, North Tonawanda broker land bank agreement for Lowry Middle School

Submitted by the Public Information Office 

Niagara County Legislator Rich Andres and North Tonawanda 2nd Ward Alderman Frank DiBernardo announced a new access agreement between the Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. (NORLIC), the county’s land bank, and the property owner of the former Lowry Middle School at 621 Payne Ave.

“The continued deterioration of the Lowry Middle School site has been a serious concern for our community,” said Andres, one of the original sponsors in creating NORLIC. “We must use every available tool at both the local and county levels to address these challenges. That’s why Alderman DiBernardo and I approached NORLIC for assistance.”

The property, located in Alderman DiBernardo’s ward, has been the source of ongoing community frustration.

“This property has become a significant nuisance. Since January 2023, there have been more than 40 police calls related to trespassing, vandalism, and even an attempted arson,” DiBernardo added. “This building sits in the heart of a residential neighborhood, and its condition remains a top priority for the city.”

A development project proposed for the site in 2022 ultimately fell through due to economic shifts and unforeseen circumstances, according to the property owner.

“After constructive conversations with both the land bank and the property owner, we are all aligned in our goal of helping return this property to a productive use for our city,” DiBernardo said. “With that said, there is a need to better secure the building, which is our immediate focus.”

The new access agreement allows NORLIC staff and its designees to legally enter the property to begin assessing conditions and initiate the first steps toward future redevelopment.

“This agreement will allow us to work with the city and the owner to explore alternative uses for the property and lay the groundwork for a path forward,” NORLIC Executive Director Andrea Klyczek said.

NORLIC Project Manager Matt Chavez further noted that the former middle school, built in 1924, is listed on both the state and federal historic registers, making it highly unlikely that the building could legally be demolished.

“Immediate priorities include assisting the property owner with securing the building to prevent further break-ins and vandalism, and positioning the property for potential marketing and eventual sale,” he said.

Andres said, “As the sponsor of the legislation that created the land bank back in 2018, it’s rewarding to see it playing an active role in revitalizing distressed properties – not just here in North Tonawanda, but across Niagara and Orleans counties.”

NORLIC is a nonprofit organization that partners with Niagara and Orleans counties, as well as Niagara Falls, Lockport and North Tonawanda, to address blighted properties and promote neighborhood revitalization.