Parent Of Special Needs

Child Raises Issues

To the Readers’ Forum:

I am writing as a special needs parent who has reached a breaking point with the lack of access, communication, and basic respect within our local mental health system.

My first attempt to seek help for my special needs son was through the Jones Hill office. I was belittled for not bringing him to an initial appointment, despite explaining ahead of time that he would not be able to answer questions and that the visit was for intake purposes. Rather than being met with understanding, I was given an unnecessary lecture.

Later, when I explained to a provider that my son would need assistance getting through the metal detectors–because he would be terrified and unable to understand what was happening–I expected reassurance or accommodations. Instead, I was met with disbelief. That interaction made it clear that my son’s needs were not understood or taken seriously, and I never returned or brought him to an appointment.

After that experience, I sought out a private practice. However, due to insurance requirements, I was directed back through Chautauqua County mental health services. I completed the long and emotionally draining evaluation process, only to find myself unable to secure an appointment or even receive a return phone call. Messages go unanswered, and follow-up attempts lead nowhere.

I have spoken with other parents of children with special needs who are equally frustrated. Many no longer attempt to seek help because they have come to believe–based on experience–that there is no help available for their situation.

Families are repeatedly told to advocate for their children and to seek help early. But when parents are dismissed, ignored, or treated without respect, the system itself becomes a barrier to care. This is not merely inconvenient; it is harmful.

Our community deserves mental health services that are accessible, responsive, and capable of supporting children with complex needs and the families who care for them. I hope sharing this experience brings attention to a problem that too many families are facing in silence.

Sincerely,

Amanda McAllister

Falconer

Wind-Hosting Towns May Be At Grave Risk

To The Readers’ Forum:

Hopefully this commentary will be eye-opening regarding the disposal of wind turbine blades in New York state and a red flag warning regarding the many variables, unknowns and uncertainties regarding wind project decommissioning costs. It reveals how wind-hosting townships may be at grave risk of major underfunding.

After the 10-year PTC – federal subsidy expires and with the increasing, mandated costs of proper waste management (especially for blades), it is more likely for owners to abandon the project. It is concerning that decommissioning cost estimates in New York state, are only updated every 5 years -a lot could happen in that timeframe, especially recycling mandates that could raise costs significantly. I have yet to find a decommissioning plan that requires or includes costs for recycling of blades in New York state.

I reference a recent report for the Bluestone wind project in upstate New York (the same owners for the Ball Hill Wind Project in Chautauqua County). See Bluestone Wind Decommissioning Cost Estimate: posted 1/21/26, Case Number 16-F-0559 per DMM@dps.ny.gov. The following are important excerpts that are concerning, with language obviously added to avoid any future litigation for underestimation of unforeseen final costs.

The wind turbine blades will be removed from the nacelle using a crane, cut into manageably sized sections, loaded onto a trailer, and hauled to a local landfill for disposal. Surprise, they actually admit dumping blades in landfills – no recycling.

In preparation of this report, Burns & McDonnell has relied upon information provided by Bluestone Wind, LLC and other third-party sources. While Burns & McDonnell has no reason to believe that the information provided to Burns & McDonnell, and upon which Burns & McDonnell has relied, is inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, Burns & McDonnell has not independently verified such information and cannot guarantee or warranty its accuracy or completeness.

Burns & McDonnell has no control over weather; cost and availability of labor, material, and equipment; labor productivity; energy or commodity pricing; demand or usage; population demographics; market conditions; changes in technology; and other economic or political factors affecting such estimates, analyses, and recommendations. Therefore, Burns & McDonnell makes no guarantee or warranty (actual, expressed, or implied) that actual results will not vary from the estimates, analyses, and recommendations contained herein.

Burns & McDonnell’s estimates do not include allowances for unforeseen environmental liabilities associated with unexpected events not considered part of normal operations. Estimates also do not include allowances for environmental remediation associated with changes in classification of materials.

Joni Riggle

Cassadaga

Tell Elected Officials

Your Thoughts

To The Readers’ Forum:

The Post-Journal has published in their legal notices that the New York State Department of Transportation will be hosting a public meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Busti Office Building on Chautauqua Avenue from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

They will be providing information for their project 5064.37. This will include overlay on a portion of Fairmount. Most importantly to the residents of Fairmount it includes sidewalks from Shadyside Ave to Route 474. The state is stating Eminent Domain Procedure Law, which as we know they can take as much of your front yard as they want. To many of you there goes your trees and in some cases your privacy.

On Monday, Feb. 23, the Lakewood Village Board will be having their regular scheduled meeting at the Lakewood Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. We need to attend this meeting to state our feelings to the three board members who continue to want to go along with the state and see these sidewalks installed. The big question is why. Why do they not care about you and your property? We also need to attend the public hearing in March and tell the NYSDOT no sidewalks.

Thank You

Rich Fischer

Lakewood