NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Hyde Park Ice Pavilion saga continues. The lights at the rinks are on now, but the facility is expected to close. The current operator says he’s remaining optimistic that something can be worked out.
In a 3-2 vote on Wednesday, the Niagara Falls City Council voted against awarding a contract to Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment to operate the rinks.
The facility has been operated by Mike Carella of Niagara Sports Tournaments (NST) for years.
In a statement, the city’s legal department said NST wasn’t recommended by the city to remain the operator for “various obvious reasons,” including its track record and a comparison of the proposals.
The statement went on to say in part, “as a result, we are really at a point where, as described in the agenda item and made clear during the debate, the failure to approve the recommended operator results in a closure of the facility. “
There’s no contract with NST and the council hasn’t authorized a contract negotiation with the recommended operator.
Carella told us he’s been given the date of Sept. 30 for when the doors will close. He wants to stay long-term and hopes to remain the operator through the season.
“We’re trying to negotiate — my lawyer and their lawyer, some kind of agreement that we could work to keep these kids here,” said Carella. “And not just the kids, we have men’s leagues on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each league has at least eight teams. That’s 24 teams of men, 15 to 20 guys a team that call this their home as well.”
Councilman Donta Myles voted against Legacy taking over operations.
“I’m just hoping for the best,” said Myles. “Honestly, I’m hoping that, you know, at some point, maybe the mayor, the administration and his corporation council come together and do what’s right on behalf of the people. Do what’s right, and make sure that they’re on the right side of history when this is all said and done.”
Council Chair Jim Perry said he was disappointed with the results of the majority of the council.
In a statement to WIVB News 4, Perry said, in part, “the Legacy group provided the city with the most successful formula for future success in this operation.”
WIVB News 4 reached out to the City of Niagara Falls for an interview and have yet to hear back.
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Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
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