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Illegal alien charges suprise Wheatfield supervisor
BY PHIL DZIKIY
The Tonawanda News

— Although 34 illegal aliens were found working in Wheatfield last week, explanations surrounding the investigation remain elusive.

But it is clear that jobs which could have went to local residents ended up going to those residing in the area illegally.

The 34 individuals were working at the Fortistar Hydroponic Tomato Greenhouse on Shawnee Road in Wheatfield. Each worker faces charges for use of a fraudulent green card and false use of a Social Security Card.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are still investigating the matter, spokesman Michael Gilhooly said. It has not been determined if the company was aware that it was employing illegal aliens.

Fortistar, a company based in White Plains, has a North Tonawanda project which includes the Wheatfield greenhouse and a North Tonawanda cogeneration facility. The North Tonawanda facility sells electricity to Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and delivers steam to the Wheatfield greenhouse, according to the Fortistar Web site.

Officials at Fortistar refused to comment.

In 2002, Fortistar purchased the greenhouse from Oxbow Power, North Tonawanda Mayor Larry Soos said. Oxbow had an agreement with the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, which allowed the IDA to hold a piece of the property in exchange for sales and property tax abatements until 2008.

Representatives at the Niagara County IDA did not return multiple phone calls seeking comment.

Wheatfield Town Supervisor Timothy Demler was surprised.

“We were caught totally off-guard,” Demler said.

Demler said he was asked by a resident at a recent neighborhood meeting if he knew how many illegal aliens were working at the greenhouse. Demler thought the question was based around rumors, but last week proved it was worth more than that, he said.

Resident concern may have led to the identification of the illegal workers, Demler said.

The problem with the whole issue is that Fortistar sought help from the Niagara County IDA and the town — but instead of creating jobs for Niagara County residents, they gave employment to illegal residents, Demler said.

For the same reasons, Soos would be very upset if Fortistar knowingly supplied the illegal immigrants with jobs.

“It’s taxpayer money that supported that program,” Soos said.

Demler still supports the IDA structure, but said he’s disappointed. Everyone involved, from the IDA to the town, needs to be more conscientious, he said.

Robert Liebeck, a North Tonawanda resident and housing provider, didn’t feel as forgiving. Everyone in the county Legislature and IDA should resign, he said.

“This is ridiculous,” Liebeck said. “There’s no accountability here. The taxpayers (are) being affected.”

Contact Phil Dzikiy at 693-1000, Ext. 114.