By Max Crinnin:
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As a resident or visitor of Elmwood, one appreciates the walkability of the area. Friends, families, and even strangers occupy the sidewalks together and enjoy the beauty of a village atmosphere in the big city. This beauty exists in the best cities of the world and should exist in a greater part of Buffalo. Luckily, plans are being made.
On November 1st the "Urbanism is Sustainable" forum will be held at Hallwalls starting at 7pm. Hosted by WNYSEA, the forum is free to the public (donations accepted) and will feature Chris Hawley and Chuck Banas as speakers. Both urban planners, Hawley and Banas will each share their exciting visions for a smart and sustainable Buffalo. An overview of urbanism and ideas for walkable and beautiful future developments will be emphasized in their speeches.
The forum marks the first event in a "sustainable series" from WNYSEA. Buffalo's new zoning code and events such as this are signs of progress in the city of Buffalo. It is WNYSEA's goal to not only see Buffalo become a people-pleasing urban center, but also an environmentally sustainable one. With smart and creative approaches to Buffalo's sprawling problems, the city promises to rise in the 21st Century.
The event is FREE and open to all. Light refreshments will be served.
Come visit "Urbanism is Sustainable" on Novemer 1, 2011, 7pm at Hallwalls.
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Sure Elmwood is walkable, to a certain degree. The Village like downtown is very linear, it is quite remarkable the lack of commercial streets in the city that move east-west. So while Elmwood is charming, walking to the co-op for groceries from Bryant is not so "walkable". The less proud could certainly jump on the #20, but in general Buffalo gets a C- in walkability.
Once upon a time, people on Bryant had both Elmwood and Connecticut to choose from as their commercial districts, as well as some retail storefronts on Bryant itself.
The Buffalo Green Code aims to encourage the rebuilding of the walkable commercial districts of yesteryear. Obviously, there are various social and economic trends that caused the decline of walkable neighborhoods, but one major reason is that it the current zoning law essentially outlaws the construction of that sort of building today. Mandatory setbacks, minimum off-street parking requirements, etc., all make it illegal to develop a walkable commercial district today.
I'm sure Chris and Chuck will go into more detail about how the Green Code will encourage development that doesn't expect and encourage people to arrive by private car.
Broadway is basically east-west and was once a major commercial district.