USA Today - Buffalo Charges Ahead Into Past

If only we can get Extreme Makeover to help out with the Central Terminal.

As I commented on the article itself...

In contrast to some of the tone of the article, the Buffalo Central Terminal is frequently named as one of Buffalo's favorite landmarks by area residents. We host a variety of events that draw tens of thousands of people each year and will certainly be a focal point when the National Trust conference comes in 2011. Most people do not see the Central Terminal as a ruin holding the city back (including Mr. Armstrong, who is supportive of our efforts and advises us on grant opportunities) but as an example of what a dedicated group of volunteers can accomplish with extremely little funding and in spite of conditions not always favorable to preservation.

Derek J. Punaro
Treasurer, Central Terminal Restoration Corporation
http://buffalocentralterminal.org

Interesting article in USA Today, and an interesting perspective.

About Anthony Armstrong's quote: Anthony is a great and sharp Buffalonian who really gets these issues, and I'm sure he didn't mean to say or imply in any way that the Central Terminal is holding the city back. Especially in a short, condensed article like this, it would be very easy for a writer from out of town to misunderstand something or remove the proper context from a quote.

Quite the contrary to "holding back," the incredible effort made on behalf of the Terminal in the past decade, and the dynamic group of people who are and have been involved in that effort, are an inspiration and pointer to a brighter future. In a way symbolic of Our Fair City, the Central Terminal has tremendous potential for a great future built on an outstanding legacy.

Even though the Central Terminal exists in a degraded state it stands in stark contrast to the massive vacant terminal in Detroit. The hard work of volunteers in Buffalo in efforts to save the train station and other Buffalo treasures says a lot about the possibility of a positive future for the city.

That being said the fact is that derelict and rundown buildings strike fear in many people especially those in the suburbs where most of the money resides. It is imperative that as much of Buffalo's historic fabric as possible be saved. To do this it is as important to minimize the irrational fear of old buildings as it is to advocate for them

The article sounded like a backhanded complement. There certainly could have been better choice of photos.

It is great that Buffalo's remarkable legacy of excellence in design is being recognized. One of the great master pieces we have is the first park system designed and executed by master landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and his partner Calvert Vaux. Since the Olmsted Conservancy took over the parks Buffalo's "curb appeal" as a city of cultural and historic treasures has been greatly enhanced. The Mayor's mad plan to take over the work of the Conservancy could really set back our efforts to rebuild the city as a destination for cultural tourists. The Olmsted folks are doing a great job of restoring this national treasure. I hope everyone that can will show up for tomorrow's Comon Council meeting at 10 am. Time to show our support for this excellent group!

Hey this is to anyone who wants to keep our Olmsted Parks under the care of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. A group that's rallying behind them has been set up on Facebook. Here is the link http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=226647726214

"The population has fallen from 580,000 in 1950 to about 270,000 today. Part of the reason is the weather — each winter, Upstate New York cities "compete" for the Golden Snowball award for the most snowfall — but most of the blame goes to an economy based on making things, such as steel and cars, that are now made elsewhere."

Golden Snowball?

http://goldensnowball.com/2009_01_01_archive.html

I'd like to give the tard that created this a warm yellow snow ball.