Restoration is a gem

I joined in a tour of the former Crocker-Sprague building this week at the corner of Washington and Second in Dunkirk.

Today, that building is the Chadwick Bay Lofts. It includes four apartments on the second floor and another four on the third floor. Also planned is a retail outlet or restaurant on the first floor.

Developer Brian Burke gave the Dunkirk Rotary Club and its guests a special showing. Without question, those in attendance were impressed.

Being the skeptic I am, I questioned some of the public money -- more than $1 million from New York state -- used in the restoration of the building. Other than when the announcement was made -- just before election day in 2007 -- it does look like the money has been well spent.

Our newspaper has been known to question city officials for their handling of some items. But overall, they are succeeding in their mission: improving Dunkirk’s image and bringing a better tomorrow.