🌱 Pine Harbor Fire Damages Total $600K + Home Contractor Scams

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Sean Peek, your host of the Buffalo Daily.

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First, today's weather:

A touch of rain. High: 44 Low: 35.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Buffalo:

1. A fire that broke out Sunday evening at the Pine Harbor Apartments downtown caused an estimated $600,000 in damages. According to city spokesman Michael DeGeorge, the cause of the fire is still being investigated and several residents are receiving aid from the Red Cross. One dog trapped in a seventh-floor apartment was killed in the fire. (Buffalo News)
2. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn has warned local residents to be on the lookout for a new home contractor scam. In an online briefing on Friday afternoon, Flynn said the scammers are targeting people online, pretending to offer a great deal and then asking for upfront funding to purchase supplies. After that, Flynn warned, "you never hear from the contractor ever again." (Lancaster Bee)
3. A restaurant on Hertel Avenue has announced plans for a major expansion project in an effort to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ristorante Lombardo's renovations will include the addition of a three-season patio and a makeover of the restaurant's facade. Owners say the upgrades are expected to cost just over $500,000. (WKBW 7 News Buffalo)

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Today in Buffalo:

• IMAGINE Buffalo Series: Melissa Brown At Buffalo History Museum (Virtual) (12:30 PM)
• Queen City Worker's Center At Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library (5:00 PM)
• Computer Coach At Buffalo And Erie County Public Library (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Stop by the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter to meet Nina, the shy pit bull terrier mix with a gentle soul. Nina and many other pets are available for adoption now! (Facebook)
• Registration for the Hertel North Park Youth House baseball and softball is now open! All players must provide their own NOSCAE-approved batting helmet. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.