Here's an archive of e-mail reports I recieve from George Grasser regarding reports and events involving Partners for a Livable Western New York.
- June 2005 Report
- August 2005 Report
- September 2005 Report
- October 14, 2005 Report
- January 2006 Report
- March 2006 Report
- July 2006 Report
- July 2006 Report - Part II
- August 2006 Report
- October 2006 Report
- December 2006 Report
- January 19, 2007
- March 27, 2006
- April 10, 2006
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
as if we're not concocting something behind their back."
- Bishop Kmiec
I think it would be interesting to compare "bishop's residences" in other cities experincing the Buffalo's decline and "detroitization" with the surrounding neighborhoods. When possible, it might be helpful to draw some correlations between the value of an average house and the value of the bishop's house. Said otherwise Bishop Kmiec...sell your Mansion, move into a rectory and lead by example. It's not that difficult.
Writing and pictures appearing here on Fix Buffalo Today...
- 7/6/06 Kmiec's Folly
- 5/26/06 WWJD?
- 5/5/06 Saving Transfiguration
- 5/5/06 Backsliding in Buffalo
- 3/18/06 Mecca or Rome?
- 3/6/06 Pew News
- 2/28/06 Journey to Avoid Housing Court
- 1/04/06 More Transfiguration Pics...
- 12/11/05 Sign of Things to Come?
- 12/4/05 A Collaborative Effort?
- 11/22/05 Another McChurch
- 11/13/05 St. Stans
- 11/13/05 Bishop Kmiec's Right Hands
- 8/28/2005 No Plans to Sell 79 Oakland Place
- 7/5/05 Flipping Churches
- 7/4/05 WTF Do I Know
- 6/30/05 Demoltion by Neglect Meets Urbex
- 5/26/05 Shrinking City...Shirking Church?
- 6/9/05 Major Restructuring Planned
- 11/9/05 100 Churches May Shut
- Diocese of Buffalo website
- "strategic plan" or "How we plan to avoid Housing Court - Just like we did in 1993"
- Falling Down - 29 images of East Side churches ready for demoltion...flickr slide show
- Dodge Street Interior - former German Roman Catholic Orphan Home, 564 Dodge Street
- Dodge Street Exterior - ditto, exterior
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
Information about Post Office Relocation
I received the following notes from Allita Steward this afternoon regarding the PO 14209's relocation...
____________________________
William Moncrief, Real Estate Specialist for the Northeast Facilities Service Center expressed the Post Office’s desire to expand its operations at the Buffalo, NY Station C Post Office. Postal regulations require that the USPS keeps the City of
Key People...
Room 920 City Hall
Buffalo
Phone: (716) 851-5050
Fax: (716) 845-0172
twanamaker@city-buffalo.com
Room 920 City Hall
Buffalo
Phone: (716) 851-5050
Fax: (716) 845-0172
asteward@city-buffalo.com
1200 William St.
Buffalo
Phone: (716) 846-2536
Fax: (716) 846-2407
victor.c.laudisio@usps.gov
Buffalo
Phone: (716) 883-8708
marvin.t.randolph@usps.gov
Northeast Facilities Service Office
6 Griffin Road North
Windsor
Phone: (860) 285-7181
Fax: (860) 285-1287
william.s.moncrief@usps.gov
Robert Lipman - President
The Crown Partnership, Inc.
45 John Street, Suite 1011
New York
Phone: (212) 349-9400
Fax: (212) 843-8224
robert.lipman@crownpartnership.com
The Postal Service has specified their preferences for the new post office location to have available:
- 11K sq. Ft
- 67- 73 parking spaces (to accommodate 21 customers, 28 employees, 16-21 postal vehicles)
- A 1 story stand alone
- 6550 sq. ft. Net floor space
- 21k sq. ft. Parking and maneuvering
- 159 sq. ft. Ramp and stairs
- 205 sq. ft. Basement
- 101 sq. ft. Dock and maneuvering
- 423 sq. ft. Platform
- Introduction of Marvin Randolph
- 45 Day period started on June 28th
- Site selection is being performed, site to be determined after 45 day period by the private site selector
- City proposed sites to Crown Partnership
- Owner of Buffalo Motor Lodge will sell for $2.2 million (unofficially, according to broker from Pyramid Brokerage)
- Would eminent domain be used to take a property?
- Leasing back the
- Community wants Proper Urban Design consistent with the Transit District Overlay
- 2 – story Post Office:
- Loss of
- Passports = $$
- Customer Parking
- Handicap Access
- Dock Security
- Dock Access – 6, 40ft vehicles a day, plus UPS
- Interior parking for PO Jeeps – 21 vehicles
- Balcom – possible traffic circle proposed by
- Main & Ferry – Willoby Insurance/1.6 Acres $500,000 (unofficial, according to broker from Pyramid Brokerage)
- Gas station just beyond
- Just over an acre
- Gas station contamination
- City site-remediation reimbursed by the State
- Very time consuming process
- Major cross street location?
- Good for customer access
- Safety-wise, not a problem
- Houses behind a commercial property - Ferry & Main
- Hold-out – would city take the property through eminent domain
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul Building and Enterprise Car Rental site
- Need to relocate services provided on the site
- Cash owns the homes behind the site also
- Main & Ferry – Car wash and Glass place
- Urban Corner – when included with two other possible developments
- CAO property at Dodge and Parade
- Focus on Main & Ferry
- $32 million is being spent at New Performing Arts High School
- Upcoming Meetings
Same information covered at all three meetings, opportunity for all in community to participate.
July 20th -- Meeting Notes
- Rundown of Post Office requirements
- Locate within ½ mile radius of present location
- Preference for
- Current
- New: 11,000 sq/ft
- Parking – 67 stalls: 21 for customers, 28 for employees, 17/18 for
- Preference for a 1-story “cookie cutter” structure
- Based on community feedback, open for anything
- PO Real Estate Department makes the final decision on location
- Councilman Thompson:
- Push to locate
- Requested map with locations of facilities in the city
- Wondered if the
- Jefferson and Woodlawn
- Jefferson and Riley
- Numerous city-owned properties at both corners
- Maybe a small retail site on
- Does not necessarily make sense financially to the
- These are called ‘Contract Stations’
- Invited all in attendance to a Breakfast Meeting on August 13th at the Delevan/Grider Center
- Residents who live west of
- Possible traffic congestion on
- Residents from west of
- Problems with routing
- Possible
- Can pull customers from both the west and east sides of
- Located closer to the Scajaquada Expressway (NY-198)
- Could bring cross-Main Street residents together in one location
- Could be impetus for strong corridor development between
- New
- Should protect pedestrians from criminal activity
- Correspondence can be sent to
- Dave Patterson – located at
- Dennis Wnuk – located at
- Bill Moncrief – Real Estate Specialist
- Timeframe:
- 18 Months from start to finish
- Construction
- Will follow diversity standards – Allita will look into what these standards are
- USPS is becoming more retail oriented
- What is the current number of walk-in retail transactions
- New
- Final decision: about 75 days from first public meeting
- Will solicit comments from public as to possible sites
- Will include all the parameters for which the
Related Post: 14209 Re-Location Archive
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 18, 2005
GOVERNOR: $11 MILLION FOR BUFFALO ARTSPACE PROJECT
Project Will Bring Affordable Housing, Retail Space to Downtown
Governor George E. Pataki today announced $11 million in State funding to help renovate the former Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company building in downtown Buffalo. The funds, which were awarded through the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), will be used to create a mixed-use building complete with commercial space, artist lofts, family and special needs housing.
"The Artspace project is a significant step in our continuing effort to redevelop downtown Buffalo," Governor Pataki said. "This project combines our commitment to affordable housing and economic development, creating new, high quality affordable housing opportunities, while transforming the historic Buffalo Electric Company building from a vacant structure to a vibrant new center. We will continue to partner with localities and the private sector to keep growing our economy and expand access to affordable housing for New York's working families."
U.S. Representative Thomas M. Reynolds said, "Artspace is an important project not only for the city of Buffalo, but our entire community. It means better housing, a stronger arts community, and greater economic development opportunities. I'm pleased to have been able to be a part of keeping this project moving forward, and salute Governor Pataki's continued commitment to our area and Mayor Masiello's vision."
Senator Dale M. Volker said, "Governor Pataki has continued to make long-term investments for the Buffalo region and this announcement furthers his commitment for the City of Buffalo to revitalize and diversify its housing market. With an economy that continues to grow and expand, comes the need for affordable housing and retail space. Today's announcement by Governor Pataki will allow this pivotal project to move forward so that both businesses and individuals can continue to live and work in the City of Buffalo."
Senator Byron Brown said, "The Artspace project will be an excellent shot in the arm for the rebirth of Main Street. With all of the development in the Buffalo-Niagara Medical Corridor, affordable housing will be a much needed addition. This project shows the commitment the Western New York Delegation and the Governor have made to revitalizing Downtown Buffalo."
Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples said, "Buffalo is a city rich in architectural treasures. This project not only restores these historic structures, but provides much-needed affordable housing opportunities for our city residents."
Buffalo Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said, "This project ensures that the creative class will contribute to the revitalization of our City. Almost every block of Main Street now has significant new investment; this continues the momentum of the Medical Campus and downtown housing."
L. Kelley Lindquist, President, Artspace Projects, Inc. said, "We are delighted that the Buffalo project has received this award. This project has been blessed with great leadership from both the City of Buffalo and the State of New York. Thanks to that leadership, we can now proudly envision a permanent and affordable home for working artists and arts organizations on Main Street in Buffalo."
The project is the rehabilitation of a historic vacant commercial building and the new construction of six townhouse-style buildings on adjacent vacant land. Once completed, the project will consist of 60 residential rental units and retail space.
DHCR Commissioner Judith A. Calogero said, "Today's announcement reflects the Governor's dedication to affordable housing creation and to economic development in the region as well. The best gauge of that commitment is his record: since 1995, over $9 billion has been invested in affordable housing in the State of New York, using a combination of State appropriations and Federal resources. As a result, more than 170,000 affordable housing opportunities have been provided for low- and middle-income families."
Funding for the $15.5 million project will be provided by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Program, the federal Low Income Housing Credit Program, the New York State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, the City of Buffalo HOME and CDBG Programs, historic tax credits and a Community Preservation Corporation loan.
The Low Income Housing Trust Fund program addresses the critical need for safe, affordable housing opportunities for seniors, families and individuals. The Housing Trust Fund provides State funding to help construct new housing, to rehabilitate vacant or under-utilized residential property and to convert vacant non-residential property to residential use.
The Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) was established to promote private sector investment in the development and retention of rental housing for low-income seniors, families and individuals. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income tax liability for project owners in direct relation to the number of affordable housing units they produce.
City gives up rights to former J.N. Adam center
An eight-month battle over the future of a Perrysburg site that was once home to
The Council's about-face paves the way for the state to sell the 650-acre site of the former
North Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. was the only dissenting vote at Wednesday's special session, which was hastily called in the middle of the Council's August recess.
Mayor Anthony M. Masiello praised the Council for reversing opposition to the deal, noting that the state will give the city 90 percent of the sale price.
e-mail: bmeyer@buffnews.com
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq
When you start thinking about the project imagine the area of Buffalo's east-side that it impacts....a few short blocks away near Ferry and Main we'll have permanent home of Performing Arts High School, re-locating very soon. Combined with the dynamic offerings of Canisius College just to the north and connected by our subway (who said it doesn't go anywhere) and just a few short blocks away, WNY's first black cultural organization, the African American Cultural Center and Paul Robeson Theatre. Of course just around the corner is the recently refurbished Apollo Theatre and the brand new Erie County Public Library - designed by Robert Trayham Coles.
Not bad for an emerging arts and educational neighborhood on the City's east-side...here's the map.
For additional information...and pics you won't see anywhere else....
- Artspace, New Neighbors 12/18/04
- Sarabeth Artist Lofts, BN article 2/6/05
- Artspace Coming to the 'Hood 2/7/05
- Artspace Needs a Hand 2/14/05
- Artspace in the 'Hood 8/18/05
- Artspace Gets Funding 8/19/05
- Artspace Un-veiled at Kleinhans BN article 10/13/05
- $266,666...You Do The Math 10/14/05
- About Coe Place, next door 11/26/05
- Artspace Investment Impact 1/8/06
- Artspace Investment Impact - Part II 1/13/06
- Artspace Area Auction 1/22/06 - 39 Coe Place
- Hamilton Ward House 1/30/06
- Artspace Investment Impact - Part III 1/31/06
- Artspace Investment Impact - Part IV 2/17/06
- Residential Investment - 4/29/06
- Behind 1219 Main Street - 5/6/06
- Artspace Buffalo - Official site
- Artspace USA - Official site
- Other Artspace Projects - pics
- Buffalo Rising Story 1/10/06
Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006
update...February 2007 - if you are seriously interested in pursuing this project let me know. A local architect has recently completed a feasibility study that I can make available for your project.
- May 2008
- March 2008
- August 2007
- June 2007 - Saved?
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- November 2005
- October 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
- June 2005
- May 2005
- April 2005
- March 2005
- February 2005
- December 2004
- November 2004
- October 2004 - Photo 2, 3, Update 1, Update 2, Update 3 - Preservation Coalition Meeting
- September 2004 - Photo 2, 3, 4
- June 2004 - Photo 2, 3, 4
- May 2004 - Photo 2, 3, 4
- March 2004 - Photo 2, 3, 4
Sleek wireless laptops shared picnic table space with hot dogs and Frisbees as business leaders and tech fans came together for Thursday afternoon's "Wi-Fi Day" in the Erie Basin Marina.
While Buffalo Mayor Anthony M. Masiello spoke of the importance of expanding wireless Internet hot-spots across the city, Nicole Walter and her husband, Todd Walter, sat nearby testing the connection at the marina, a hot-spot added last summer.
"It's lightening fast," said Nicole Walter, a 30-year-old sales representative for CXtec in Williamsville.
The Walters were planning to leave soon to go shopping for a carpet, but changed their minds. They decided not to leave the cool lake breezes and harbor views, and instead started their shopping online.
Stories like that please Les Hoffman. As director of technology and training for the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Hoffman started the process of getting Buffalo wired for wireless connections.
A few years ago, Hoffman started BuffaloWiFi.org, a quasi-public entity that has set up eight locations where anyone with a wireless-enabled computer can get on the Internet for free. The organization is funded by private donors and utilizes the City of Buffalo's Internet service.
It was also the main sponsor of Thursday's event, which featured booths by various Internet service and equipment providers as well as contests for free equipment.
"We wanted to have a summer event where we can highlight wireless technology and future technology," Hoffman said.
Wi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, is a transmission standard for wireless Internet connections from a transmitter, which allows wireless-enabled laptops within a certain radius to connect to the Internet. Starting on college campuses and in coffee shops, it has now spread to suburban restaurant districts, parks, homes and office buildings.
Hoffman described the city's wiring as an effort to improve the Buffalo's business environment and image in technology circles. If the city wants to lure technical talent through initiatives such as the Center for Excellence in Bioinfomatics, it must provide these types of amenities, Hoffman said.
Buffalo ranked 56th in Intel's latest "Most Unwired Cities Survey," ahead of Rochester and Syracuse but behind many tech centers like Austin, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colo.
"Everything is becoming wireless," he said. "So we're just keeping Buffalo up to speed with the rest of the world."
A small crowd came out for Thursday's event, and Hoffman said his organization did not have any numbers on how many people are actually using the Wi-Fi sites.
"But we know there's a demand out there for it, so we're not overly concerned," Hoffman said.
He said part of that demand would come from the younger generation, which is getting used to such amenities on college campuses.
That's true for Ed Schmidt and Ben Sheron, two recent Canisius High School graduates who are heading to college in the fall. Schmidt, who will attend the University at Buffalo, said he and his friend came to Wi-Fi Day to learn more about what's going on in the wireless world in the Buffalo area.
Both talk expertly about things like wireless cards and Internet protocols and say they've been "techies" for awhile. Schmidt said it all started in 5th grade when he got the family's old computer.
"(My mom) was very surprised I set the whole thing up myself, and its pretty much been known since then that I'd do something with technology," Schmidt said.
He called the wiring of his home city "a very good thing" and said he would seriously considering coming down to the marina to enjoy the weather and surf the Web.
