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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
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Erie City Council unanimously OK's zoo property transfer to Erie Events. What it means
Erie City Council has unanimously signed off on transferring just shy of 100 acres of city-owned property, including the Erie Zoo, to Erie Events as part of a long-range plan to help the financially-struggling zoo. Council signed off on a resolution approving the transfer at its regular meeting on Aug. 6 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, following more than an hour of public comment about the issue. Prior to the start of the meeting, City Council members agreed to shelve another zoo-related resolution, one that proposed pledging city support of at least $500,000 a year for the zoo moving forward. Council members, in their pre-meeting caucus, decided to pull that resolution from the agenda because there was not enough support on the seven-member panel for it. Councilmember Tyler Titus, the panel's liaison to the zoo, said prior to council's vote that the city 'is in no position to be able to meet the zoo's needs. Nor should we try. 'I do not think Erie Events has an easy road ahead of them on this,' Titus said. 'But I think this resolution puts us in the best position.' Council's vote now allows the city, zoo officials and Erie Events to finalize a new arrangement regarding zoo operations. Zoo officials had stressed urgency in recent weeks because of the zoo's precarious financial condition. In a letter to Erie Mayor Joe Schember dated Aug. 1, zoo officials gave formal notice of their plans to terminate a zoo management agreement that's been in place since 1964. The letter, signed by Erie Zoo CEO Melissa "Roo" Kojancie and Jeffrey Beach, chairman of the Erie Zoological Society, sets Aug. 1, 2026, as the formal termination date for that agreement. Zoo officials had also said publicly that absent a new arrangement regarding zoo operations, they would begin to slowly shut down the zoo and have animals transferred to other facilities. Gus Pine, Erie Events' executive director, attended City Council's meeting. Asked about the vote, Pine said: 'Honestly, I'm even more happy as a citizen of this community. If the zoo goes away, it's a hit to our morale as a community. It's the type of amenity that is critical to attracting businesses and our quality of life. I'm really pleased that we could collaborate and make this happen.' A proposed new agreement Both resolutions were proposed as city officials, Erie Events and zoo officials are working to come up with a solution to the zoo's financial crisis and create a plan for managing the zoo moving forward. Officials from Erie Events — which owns and operates the Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and two bayfront hotels — have said the organization is willing to provide $500,000 a year in operating income and serve as a partner to stabilize zoo operations. In exchange, both zoo officials and Erie Events asked the city to transfer ownership of the zoo, Glenwood Golf Course, Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink and Glenwood Park to Erie Events. The agreement, in total, involves 96 acres of property. The resolution council approved Aug. 6 does that, with various conditions/restrictions on how the property can be used. Those restrictions include: Erie Events must commit to providing a $500,000 yearly payment to the zoo. Erie Events 'shall maintain a zoo on the property.' Erie Events must commit to maintaining a nine-hole golf course within those 96 acres, and the city would continue to operate the course. Erie Events would lease the golf course back to the city for free. Erie Events is prohibited from selling or transferring 'any portion of the property without the approval of the city of Erie.' Erie Events may not sell or transfer ownership of any portion of the Property without the approval of the City of Erie. If Erie Events fails to maintain a zoo and a golf course on the property, 'ownership of the Property shall revert back to the City of Erie.' The city would continue to operate Glenwood Park's picnic grounds and horseshoe courts, which Erie Events would lease back to the city for free. Erie Events will take over operation of the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center. Utility costs and insurance for all 96 acres would become the responsibility of Erie Events. During the citizen comment portion of City Council's meeting, a number of people, including current Erie Zoo employees, asked council to help ensure the zoo's long-term future by transferring control of the property to Erie Events. One of those who spoke was Darren Julius, a zookeeper at the Erie Zoo for the past eight years. Julius said the zoo creates more than $21 million in annual economic impact for the city, and it supports and sustains more than 200 city jobs, according to a 2022 zoo study. Transferring property to Erie Events, Julius said, makes sense in terms of tourism. 'Erie Events is much more sustainable,' said Julius. 'We've seen what they've done with the Warner Theatre and all the properties that they manage.' City Council reacts Council President Mel Witherspoon said he initially intended to vote 'no' on the Erie Events resolution, because he was wary of giving up city-owned property. 'I don't believe this is a good business deal, from a business perspective,' Witherspoon said. However, discussing the issue with his colleagues convinced Witherspoon that Erie Events' involvement was best for the zoo's long-term sustainability moving forward. Councilman Ed Brzezinski seconded that sentiment. Brzezinski said "we had to come to some kind of conclusion' regarding the zoo, and direct city funding regarding the zoo was not the answer. The property transfer and a collaboration with Erie Events, Brzezinski said, makes the most sense. 'Let's give it to the pros,' Brzezinski said. Councilwoman Jasmine Flores said the zoo is a community asset that other municipalities should also support. 'It is a regional asset and the county should help support (it),' Flores said. 'We know that everyone uses the zoo… I think it's going to be time that we find ways to make sure that everyone's paying their fair share for these amenities.' Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf agreed. 'I really think it does take a community collaboration… All of our surrounding municipalities really should invest in the zoo as well,' Schaaf said. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at@ETNflowers This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Zoo: City council approves land transfer to Erie Events Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Light up the night: when, where you can watch Erie's annual fireworks show
The vibrant eruption of color and thundering sound returns to the the skies over Presque Isle Bay on July Joe Schember announced on June 5 that the city's annual Lights Over Lake Erie fireworks display returns to Dobbins Landing one day before the July 4 holiday. The fireworks show, presented once again by Pyrotecnico Fireworks of New Castle, will begin at 10 p.m. 'We are grateful that we can continue this tradition,' Schember said, noting that the event is co-sponsored by Highmark and the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority. The event is funded in part by a $15,000 events grant from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority.'We know how much these fireworks mean to the community,' said Julie Slomski, the Port Authority's executive director. As is the case annually, residents and visitors can view the fireworks from various vantage points along Erie's waterfront, including the east and west bayfront bluffs and Bayview Park near East Second and Cherry streets; Presque Isle State Park; from a boat in Presque Isle Bay, or from almost anywhere that provides a view of the Bicentennial Tower. Gabi Watson, the city's events manager, said Dobbins Landing and the lower State Street area will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. The Erie Parking Authority will provide free parking at select downtown parking garages for those attending the fireworks. That includes the garages near West Seventh/West Eighth and Peach streets and East Eighth and French streets. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority will run free shuttle buses to/from downtown areas near those garages, Watson said. More information is available at Citizens can also check the city's Facebook page for updates. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at @ETNflowers This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie fireworks: City releases 2025 schedule of events
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Daria Devlin stuns two-term incumbent Erie Mayor Joe Schember to win Democratic primary
Daria Devlin's time is now. The 47-year-old Democrat scored a stunning upset in the May 20 municipal primary, defeating two-term incumbent Erie Mayor Joe Schember and retired educator Sheila Woeger for their party's nomination for the top job in city government. According to final unofficial vote totals from the Erie County Courthouse, Devlin, the director of social impact for Hamot Health Foundation, garnered 5,117 votes, or 50%, to 4,694 votes for Schember (46%) and 359 votes, (3.2%) for Woeger. 'I need to say thank you to the most amazing campaign team,' Devlin said. 'We did it, and it's amazing.' It was an improbable win for Devlin, who first confirmed her primary run to the Erie Times-News in October. Devlin defeated a two-term incumbent devoid of major scandal or damaging public missteps, a mayor in Schember who was first elected in 2017 and rolled to re-election in the 2021 primary by defeating two Democratic challengers and walking away with 74% of the vote. But Devlin, who raised a staggering $217,000 for her primary run, campaigned on a platform of change, fiscal responsibility and the aggressive pursuit of solutions to blight, the city's housing crisis, and workforce development. She also pledged to develop better programs to nurture local youth. She said her campaign heavily leaned on reaching people through various social media platforms and face-to-face interaction with voters. She also felt her televised debate with Schember in April exposed a lot of voters to her campaign platform.'I really believe people were ready for something different,' Devlin said in an interview. 'People want to see real change in their city and I don't think they saw that (under Schember). They're hungry for it.' Devlin, who thanked Schember for eight years of service to the city, also described Schember during her campaign as status-quo and out of touch with the needs of Erie's citizens. She hammered Schember about the city's finances, saying Erie was heading for a 'financial crisis' without better leadership. She also secured a rare endorsement from the Erie County Democratic Party's city-based committee members, who typically stay away from backing one candidate over another in primary elections. The party's chairman, Sam Talarico, said that several committee members 'thought it was time for a change.' And Devlin brought that change home in the municipal primary. She celebrated her victory with a raucous crowd of supporters at the 1020 Collective, 1020 Holland St., in downtown Erie. 'You guys delivered this tonight!' Devlin said. Devlin will now face Republican Matthew Thomas in the Nov. 4 municipal election. Thomas, a 37-year-old Erie lawyer, claimed the GOP nomination in the primary; there were no other GOP candidates in the race. However, Devlin will be a huge favorite in the municipal election because of the city's more than 2-1 Democratic voter registration edge. No Republican has been elected mayor of Erie since Charles Williamson in to Erie County Voter Registration Office data, there are 31,093 registered Democrats in the city of Erie and 13,850 registered Republicans. Erie County municipal primary: Review from May 20 live coverage Devlin made a point of reminding her supporters that 'this is the primary. We have a general election to win. And we're going to fight just as hard… So we can be right back here in November to celebrate.' A disappointed Schember said he 'will accept the voters' result' and will focus on 'serving the city and moving our projects forward' for the remainder of his term. Asked about the loss, Schember said, 'I honestly don't know what happened. My door-to-door was very good, I thought, and I talked to over 1,000 people face to face. I really thought I was going to win by a lot tonight. Turns out, I lost by a little.' The Erie mayor's annual salary will increase from the current $95,000 to $120,000 a year in January 2026. The new salary tops the list of annual pay that mayors receive in Pennsylvania's third-class cities. Devlin said that between now and November, she will focus on 'bringing Democrats together, because I want the support of the people who didn't vote for me.' She also said she's taking nothing for granted in terms of the municipal election. 'What we've seen in national politics is, nothing is a given anymore,' Devlin said. 'Look, we didn't have a huge victory here, a huge margin. I want to unite the party and build trust, and we can be even stronger for November.' Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at @ETNflowers. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie mayor's race: Devlin defeats incumbent Schember in Dem primary
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
2025 Primary Election Results: City of Erie Mayor
(WJET/WFXP) — The 2025 Pennsylvania primary election took place on May 20. This year's election for the City of Erie Mayor featured Incumbent Joe Schember against Daria Devlin and Sheila Woeger on the Democratic ticket. The winner of this race will go up against Matthew Thomas, the uncontested candidate on the Republican ticket, in the November general election. You can view election results as they update in real-time for the City of Erie mayoral race below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why a new motorcycle rally aimed at helping youth will rumble into Erie this summer
The city of Erie will lend support to a motorcycle rally this summer — the first time that has happened since Roar on the Shore, which was discontinued in 2021. Mayor Joe Schember announced May 19 that city officials are working with the organizers of the inaugural 'Rides for the Rise: The Ultimate Motor Music Festival,' a motorcycle rally that benefits youth, to finalize details for the July 19 event. The rally's organizer is Save the Youth 814, a local nonprofit whose mission is 'to build resilience and hope to the city's youth and families exposed to violence,' according to its Facebook page. Rides for the Rise 'will kick off with a motorcycle parade through the city which will end at Liberty Park,' Schember said. The rally had been previously announced by organizers; the city's support/involvement was finalized over the last few weeks, said Renee Lamis, Schember's chief of staff. Most of the rally's events will take place July 19 at the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park on the city's west bayfront. Schember said city officials, including police and public works employees, are working with rally organizers on the logistics of the planned motorcycle parade, including its starting location and route through the city. "Due to construction on the Bayfront Parkway and State Street, it is likely that the ride will originate on the west side of the city," Schember said. He added that since this is Ride for the Rise's first year, the city has offered to help organizers with planning the event "such as creating a system for vendors, sponsors, musicians, and riders to register," as well as marketing and promotions. Following the parade, Schember said, the rally 'will feature live performances by local artists, amazing food from local food trucks, local vendors, and a festive family-friendly atmosphere at Liberty Park.' A portion of the proceeds from the rally will go to various youth development programs in the Erie region. "This event spoke to me and my team because it's all about our youth," Schember said. William Grant, Save the Youth 814's vice president, said the rally's goal is "bringing people together to support better futures for our youth." He said it was the brainchild of the nonprofit's president, Jose Moya. Lanisha Chimenti, Save the Youth 814's treasurer, added, 'We would like for local vendors, food trucks, DJs and entertainers to get involved in the festival. Our goal is to fill as many spots with all local options.' Roar on the Shore, launched by the Manufacturer & Business Association, drew tens of thousands of people to Erie each year and raised nearly $1 million for charity. It became one of the largest free motorcycle rallies in the northeastern United States and was focused on downtown Erie for years. However, Roar on the Shore was moved to Lake Erie Speedway in 2019 when organizers of the event and Schember's administration could not come to terms on payments to offset the city's costs related to the event. "The issue with Roar is that it had gotten so big that the cost of overtime for police, especially, was excessive and the city was subsidizing it. We didn't think that was appropriate. "Because this is just a one-day event, we believe the organization will be able to raise the funds to pay for whatever costs come up," Lamis said. "We're helping with promotions and getting the word out as an in-kind service. And for the parade, there are motorcycle officers already working their normal shifts that day so that should not be an (overtime) issue." For more information about Rides for the Rise or to sign up to be a vendor, participating musician or a rider in the parade, visit Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at @ETNflowers. (This story has been updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: What to know: Erie's upcoming 'Rides for the Rise' motorcycle rally
