Over the past year we have closely followed the transformation at Acropolis OPA on Elmwood Avenue. The one-time diner has quickly become an upscale destination spot as both an eatery and as a chic Saturday night hang-out spot. Owner Paul Tsouflidis has invested a great deal in the renovations that include a complete makeover of the downstairs space, façade and complete redo of the upstairs space. By any measure the space is comfortable and classy. But now, some neighbors are organizing against the restaurant owner claiming that any expansion will inevitably lead to excessive noise and are seeking to prevent the near completed project from coming to fruition.
Throughout the renovations, you could frequently find Tsouflidis in the restaurant enthusiastically talking to anyone who would lend an ear about his space. As a result of these conversations, he addressed the concerns that were brought to his attention. Throughout the planning process with the City, however, he discovered that critics were organizing against him. "I am completely and utterly shocked at some of my neighbors. I had seven windows removed, put sound insulation into my walls, removed some speakers, kept my doors closed after 11 and required that any music be played through the restaurant's own sound system to enable us to keep the volume at an acceptable level."
"I love my neighborhood and would never do anything to jeopardize my standing in it. I grew up living on top of this restaurant since I was little and now some neighbors are making me look like I'm moving in to create trouble. It's hurtful."
While Buffalo Rising has seen far more people in favor of the expansion, what critics now seem to be misunderstanding is the music. Acropolis is simply not a place for overly loud music. It's a place where a DJ can play eclectic trendy music to cater to the bar. People can still have conversations over the music. This type of relaxed bistro lounge atmosphere with DJ is popular with young professionals and has been for some time. Right now, though, the City of Buffalo is holding his music license, so he is prohibited from playing music until the Common Council decides what it is going to do on January 24th.
Tsouflidis is reaching out to his critics, calling for an open community meeting, followed by a tour of the new upstairs space where the entire community can come out and learn more about the project and have a dialogue about any concerns that they may have. It will be critical for supporters of the expansion to also attend this meeting or contact Delaware District Common Council Member Michael LoCurto's office at mlocurto@city-buffalo.com to voice their support. The meeting will be held on January19th at 6:00, in the Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church, downstairs in the loaves and fishes room.
I wish people like this would expend their energy against the property owners who let their buildings rot rather than the good guys. Who are these people?
totally agree STEEL....
I know one of them who is a honest person who shared an alternate viewpoint that, unless you were in their shoes would not appreciate. I don't want to name names because they have been getting harassed and attacked on many levels because they are not in favor of the expansion. Every action can have consequences which are not necessarily intended. While I don't personally think the expansion is bad it has caused serious disruptions to other people. This is normal, but the manner in which their concerns have been addressed is biggest complaint. Are they overly sensitive to noise? Is the harassment real? perhaps. perhaps not. I don't know, all I have is here-say but I will reserve my judgement as to what is the right way to move forward until I have a broader picture of what is going on.
To me it sounds like the restaurant owner has been more than reasonable here. Can you have your friend chime in? The "Unless you were in their shoes" argument is very weak.
I agree it's weak, especially since you have no idea of who's shoes you would be hypothetically putting on. I am just playing the devils advocate here since the article is one-sided, offering no input or perspective from the residents. Their are usually ways to solve the neighbors concerns if you really care. The Lexington Coop built a 20' concrete wall to protect their neighbors quality of life when they put in their parking lot.
The story describes extensive things done to appease neighbors concerns what more is being asked. I think it would be unfair for the neighbors to have unreasonable demands. What are they asking for?
What is weak is the fact that you are unable or unwilling to provide anything substantial as to what your issues are for this particular business.
You claim that the expansion has caused serious disruptions to other people. Yet you do not feel the need to list what those disruptions are. You claim the the manner in which their concerns have been addressed is biggest complaint. Yet you do not feel the need to outline that in any detail.
You pointed out a problem and solution for the Lexington Coop but are unwilling to do so hear. That makes your claims suspect.
What I find funny is the location of this particular situation. For noise to be an issue you would have to live either on Elmwood or Ashland in the heart of the strip. Just what do people think happens when you live next door to a vibrant entertainment district?
While you say "Every action can have consequences which are not necessarily intended"....I suggest you think about that.
Action = Living Near The Elmwood Strip
Consequences = Dealing with issues that come with living near the Elmwood Strip.