Published by fixBuffalo
on Saturday, February 05, 2005 at 3:41 PM. 
As we begin to develop plans for the future preservation of the Woodlawn Row Houses many people have expressed concern about the "perceived declining" of the surrounding neighborhood. (I'm addressing this as I present an 8 part series of Neighborhood Assets.)
This afternoon, while I sat at my desk, buses pulled away from Buffalo Traditional High School for the last time. Many of my former students from Turner-Carroll High School - where I taught Global History and Economics and was chair of the social studies dept - routinely stopped by on the stoop on their way to and from school. They'll be heading over to the recently renovated East High School on Northampton St. beginning Monday.
When I think of this neighborhood and the larger Main/Jefferson -- Ferry/Utica neighborhood here in Masten I think of just how dynamic this nascent arts and educational community will be with BAVPA -- Buffalo Academy for the Visual & Performing Arts moving to this permanent location. The Apollo, African-American Cultural Center, the new Robert Coles inspired library and Artspace and Canisus College a few blocks away. Excellent synergy and opportunities for students, residents and for people of course who live in other areas. It's really cool walking over to the African-American Cultural Center three blocks away for dance and theatrical performance. A short walk to Main Street and on to the West side.
When I talk about this 25 block neighborhood of Masten many people are recommending that I read Jane Jacobs work, The Death & Life of Great American Cities (1961). Hank Bromley is the latest. He sent me a transcript of his interview with Jane Jacobs (July 2000).
In September 2000, James Howard Kunstler interviewed Jane Jacobs. The text of that interview appeard in Metropolis Magazine (May 2001). I've mentioned Metropolis Magazine already and the piece they had about Ani & Scot and the Asbury church over on Delaware a few weeks ago, here. Finally, Jane appeared in The New Yorker last May.
You won't want to miss Kunstler's Cluster Fuck Nation Chronicles.
Meanwhile, take a look at two houses on Woodlawn Avenue one block away from the now abandoned Buffalo Traditional High School site and the vacant city-owned "local-landmark" which is the primary objective of this blog and preservation initiative. Look closely at the driveway. It's the only heated driveway I know in the city! 3 degrees today and warm to the touch!
click image to enlarge
When you compare the sidewalks, would someone tell me who's shoveling the sidewalks in front of city owned property? I mowed the grass last summer.
Just google searched and ordered a "buy it now" copy of Death and Life of Great American Cities on Ebay for $3.99.
The Woodlawn Row Houses Preservation Initiative should probably best be seen with in a larger context of the many positive developments here in this Masten neighborhood. The new Robert Coles inspired library and dedicated examples of positive home ownership are only two of these developments.
Please sign the petition. It's the first step in creating awareness that will lead to action and eventually to long term positive results. and the preservation of this "local-landmark."
Your comments are welcome...
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