Lumber City Development Corporation

02/20/2026

There are two identical swing bridges in our local waterways, both built in the 1880s to allow train access to the burgeoning lumber activity.

The north bridge between NT and Tonawanda Island is the area old-timers call “The Chutes.” It’s hard to get to today on account of the East Hill Foundation property (lighthouse). The north bridge sits in the “Little River.”

The south bridge between Wardell Boat Yard in NT and Riverwalk in Tonawanda sits in the canalized Tonawanda Creek.

Scores of articles and photos on our website: https://www.nthistory.com/collections/show/91

Sketch by Dennis Reed Jr.

02/20/2026

Our very own Executive Director, Laura Wilson, will be a guest speaker at the ‘Secrets of Success Panel’ hosted by ULI Western New York Young Leaders Group on Thursday, March 26th.

Register here:

https://contentsharing.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?ep=MsFZvyB99m0VVsJESHHKzDbJDHP2P6e7rsmFgbE75d1nboQYJxEcE42FLnvBRVuyFYYTHrGwL7ayjYg5q2L8hpQJKWcU3_gk1hTwCVbJh_2I-pyKL5NIw5vCVOiLlzc9ig ok

02/18/2026

02/03/2026

💐20 YEARS AT SHERWOOD FLORIST! 💐
Sherwood Florist at 458 Oliver St, North Tonawanda, first opened their doors 20 years ago today on February 3rd, 2006. Shop owner Amy Sileo has been providing floral arrangements for the community for 2 decades, in times of celebration and happy moments, the impact Amy has made in the community has been truly remarkable.

Luckily, this is only the start of a new venture at Sherwood. In Spring of 2026, Sherwood Florist will be opening an Arts and Craft artisan division of the store to set up a studio for every kind of creative outlet! She will be renting out the space in the afternoon/evening hours while continuing to run the Flower Shop during the morning/afternoons. If you are an artist and looking to rent space to host crafting events or collaborate on this creative endeavor, please call 📞(716) 693-5356! (Someone with ceramics expertise is a plus).

Over the years, Sherwood Florist has received assistance from Lumber City Development Corporation in many ways. You may have noticed the changing awnings- which was completed with funding in the 2015 New York Main Street Program and LCDC's Revolving Loan Fund.
Programs such as these are imperative to small business owners, and impacts the greater vision and mission of LCDC including encouraging entrepreneurship, and strengthening and expanding North Tonawanda businesses.

Happy 20th Anniversary Sherwood Florist (Amy Sileo), we are lucky to have had you on the Oliver Street corridor. 🌸🌹

01/28/2026

Food & Drink If the phrase, “We had Cuban ci**rs in an igloo” are the words you never thought you’d say, think again...

01/28/2026

01/28/2026

Did you know we have a funding needs form right on our website? 🤔

Have a concern or request, fill out this quick google form and we’ll reach out to see if/how we can help!

Please tell us about your funding needs, or community development-related idea or issues below and provide details in the comments section. We will keep your information on file and follow up with you if funding becomes available that may address your specific needs. Note that this form is not a fun...

01/15/2026

LCDC's Business Spotlight of the Month: Cali’s Corner Store🎉

🌟Cali's Corner Store was one of Lumber City Development's Microenterprise Grant recipients so seeing them grow their small business and add to the charm of Webster Street has been extremely exciting and deserves a spotlight 🌟

Why NT?: “With co-owner John growing up right here, opening on Webster Street felt like the perfect fit and the support from the City, LCDC, fellow business owners, and our neighbors has only confirmed we made the right choice. We’re grateful to work where our family and friends live, build new connections every day, and be part of a vibrant business community...From sponsoring local events to serving on merchant and nonprofit boards, giving back to NT is part of who we are." -John and Jimmy, owners of Cali's Corner Store.

John also serves as Vice President of John is the Vice President of the Downtown North Tonawanda Merchant’s Association and a board member of Project Pride in NT. As mentioned, they have sponsored community events such as the New Years Eve Fireworks, the Canal Concert Series, the Dyngus Day Parade, and we regularly donate to local community fundraisers throughout the year.

What you’ll find inside: A thoughtfully curated mix of hard-to-find flavors and unique finds, from global candies and specialty drinks to artisan cheeses, smoked fish, salamis, pizzas, chips, and more.

Why “Cali’s”?: The store is named in honor of Cali, John’s senior dog who once greeted customers daily. Her legacy lives on with fun pet products, salmon dog treats, peanut butter cups, and more. Stop by with your pup to take a polaroid and be added to the wall of dogs!🐶

Officially opened their doors June 12, 2025, but did a full inventory refresh in November, so come on in and see what’s new! When LCDC stopped by we quickly noticed the wide variety of products!

Stop by, say hi, discover something new, and become part of the Cali’s Corner Store story 🍫🍪🍿