Buffalo Rising

Wrecking WNY: Bethlehem Office Building

2012-05-16T18:40:00Z

Demolition crews this week are preparing the Bethlehem Steel North Office Building in Lackawanna for its demise. Constructed in 1901, the Beaux Arts style building is located on Hamburg Turnpike (Route 5) at the northeast corner of the sprawling 1300-acre former steel plant complex.

The building, like the city it is located in, has clearly seen better days yet remains defiantly majestic. It has even been identified as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the smoke and fumes produced by steel plant furnaces cleared years ago, the highly visible property close to the waterfront found no takers. Crews are currently removing asbestos before starting demolition.

]]> Preservation Buffalo-Niagara has issued the following statement:

Preservation Buffalo - Niagara is saddened by the news that starting this Friday the former Bethlehem Steel North Office Building, known as the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building, will be demolished. Located along the City of Lackawanna and the City of Buffalo line, the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building has been a Beaux Arts gem welcoming travelers into both cities for decades. Even in its present deteriorated state, the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building hints at our region's grand industrial roots while illustrating our collective great fortune of architectural heritage.

The Bethlehem Steel Administration Building also represents the vital need for a strategic approach to dealing with our region's underutilized, irreplaceable historic assets. An approach that proactively finds solutions to foreseeable problems and that places an emphasis on the social capital embodied in our built environment. An approach that enables community-wide participation in the discussion of what ultimately happens to our historic structures. Without such an approach, our community is destined to lose even more of our built history and with that our fragile connection to our past.

A critical component of this desired approach is Local Historic Landmark designation. Local landmark designation insures the opportunity for meaningful public input and protects the interest of the public in preserving the collective community heritage.

Preservation Buffalo - Niagara further believes that it is imperative to protect the integrity of historic resources to insure their eligibility for lucrative historic preservation grants and tax credits. These incentives are key to enabling historic preservation solutions and making the preservation of these structures a reality. It is Preservation Buffalo - Niagara's hope that a practical, proactive approach is crafted to facilitate the more responsible stewardship of threatened historic buildings and sites in the Buffalo - Niagara Community. Preservation Buffalo - Niagara is offering its expertise to assist any municipality with the creation and implementation of such an approach.

Common Council Items of Interest May 15, 2012

2012-05-16T18:31:22Z

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen requesting that the City of Buffalo Department of Permits & Inspections more aggressively enforce City building codes at the following properties:

• Texas Red Hots located at 5-7 Genesee Street
• Spa Lofts, LLC located at 9 Genesee Street; and
• Rose Nails located at 535 Main Street

On July 26, 2011, the Common Council passed a resolution titled "Revitalization of the 500 Block of Main Street," in which all building owners in the 500 Block of Main Street with unoccupied buildings were requested to appear before the Council at a future time and date, and more aggressive enforcement was requested in the 500 Block of Main Street for City code violations. Although productive meetings have been on-going with area buildings owners, the three properties referenced continue to cause serious structural concerns to neighboring buildings. The Council is committed to the revitalization of Main Street and code violations at these properties must be addressed for the area to become a thriving and safe community for residents, businesses and visitors.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Majority Leader and Masten District Council Member Demone A. Smith mandating that City of Buffalo quality of life ordinances and penalties for their violation be included as part of all rental and lease agreements. The City's quality of life ordinances place restrictions on things such as loud music, horn blowing, placement of garbage totes, upholstered furniture on porches, barbecue grills on porches, gambling, public drinking and other irresponsible behaviors that may negatively affect a community. Often such restrictions, although contained within the City Code, are not explicitly stated in the rental and lease agreements signed by tenants. By including this information in all rental and lease agreements, it is the Council's intent to bring about a greater understanding by tenants of their responsibilities and thus decrease incidents of quality of life infractions.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen directing the City of Buffalo Department of Law to draft an amendment to Section 341-11.1 of the City Code to include a provision that mandates that applicants for chicken licenses reside at the property for which they are applying for said license. Since July of 2009, the City has allowed the keeping of domesticated chicken hens in residential districts subject to certain restrictions, however there is currently no requirement that applicants reside at the property for which they are applying for a chicken licenses. The Council maintains that amending this ordinance will clarify the law and result in increased accountability for those who seek to obtain chicken licenses in the City.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen requesting that the City of Buffalo Department of Law draft an amendment to Chapter 194 of the City Code. Council Members frequently receive complaints relating to nuisances and/or illegal activities occurring at deli stores, but currently Chapter 194 offers little guidance on what policies and procedures are to be used by Council Members in reviewing, and approving or denying, food stores licenses. The Council maintains that an amendment to Chapter 194 is needed to clarify the role of Council Members in the process as well as the ability of a Council Member to conduct hearings with food store licensees in response to complaints and other evidence of possible food store license violations.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. supporting the Mayor's desire for the City of Buffalo to take an active role in the development of Buffalo's Outer Harbor and that Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority ("NFTA") land be transferred to the City of Buffalo. The NFTA, a New York State authority who's membership is appointed by the Governor and is unelected, is currently exploring options for divesting themselves of ownership and control of several key Buffalo Outer Harbor properties. Due to underutilization of Outer Harbor properties over the years, many people are now calling for these properties to be transferred by the NFTA to the Erie County Harbor Development Corporation ("ECHDC"), another state agency whose leadership is appointed by the governor and does not to answer to the people of this community at the polls. The Council maintains that while there is undoubtedly a role for both ECHDC and the State of New York to play in the development of Buffalo's Outer Harbor and other waterfront lands, we must not lose sight of the fact that the City itself has a critical role to play as well.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen requesting that the City of Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services, the Buffalo Catholic Diocese and the owner of St. Ann's Church and Shrine provide the Council with a report on the status of the church building. Saint Ann's Church and Shrine was initially built in 1858 for $7,000 and as the parish grew underwent a $135,000 Church expansion and $107,000 school building expansion. The Council maintains that Saint Ann's is richly engrained in Buffalo's history and that this historic gem must be saved.

The Council adopted resolutions sponsored by Council President and Lovejoy District Council Member Richard A. Fontana supporting the following:

New York State ("NYS") Senate Bill #S.5409-A and NYS Assembly Bill A.9121, which would reform the state's Controlled Substance Registry by providing a real time reporting system that doctors and pharmacists would be required to participate in and check prior to prescribing or dispensing controlled substances. Passage of these bills would also give doctors access to a patient's history of admittance to substance abuse centers so that they can actively review the patient's history of substance abuse.

NYS Senate Bill #S.5720-A and NYS Assembly Bill A.8320, which would connect practitioners and pharmacists to a greater source of centralized information to avoid over-prescribing, and help identify and treat patients who seek to abuse prescription drugs. In addition, this legislation would furnish objective and highly-relevant data to healthcare professionals, while shining a spotlight on those who enable and profit from drug abuse.

NYS Senate Bill #S.6179 and NYS Assembly Bill A.9097, which would require that patients receive information about the potential risks of addiction to certain kinds of drugs as well as the local resources available to them if they feel they are becoming addicted.

NYS Senate Bill #S.6181 and NYS Assembly Bill A.9093, which would require the NYS Department of Health to develop a set of guidelines to help doctors transition patients from substances with a high risk of addiction to pain management solutions with a lower risk of addiction.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Council President and Lovejoy District Council Member Richard A. Fontana supporting the following:

NYS Senate Bill #S.6180 and NYS Assembly Bill A.9102, which would require medical professionals to continue to receive training and education on the dangers of opiate abuse and addiction as well as strategies to migrate patients from highly addictive pain management solutions to lower risk pain management solutions.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council:

Authorized DPW to accept a donation from The Buffalo Sabres/Mr. Terry Pegula consisting of contractor's services, contractor's labor, sod, landscaping amenities and related improvements at City-owned unfinished lots at the Central Wharf area near Canal Side on Buffalo's waterfront. The sod and all related improvements will become property of the City of Buffalo and The Sabres/Mr. Pegula will pay the contractor for all installation, material and labor (living wage) costs. The value of the donation is expected to be approximately $120,000.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning ("OSP"), the Council:

Authorized the Mayor of the City of Buffalo to enter into a Consortium Agreement with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the "Making Sustainability Work in Buffalo Niagara: Sustainable Communities Grant Consortium" initiative. The money will fund a three-year planning effort to prepare a Regional Plan for Sustainable Development ("RSPD") for Erie and Niagara Counties that addresses economic development, transportation, work force development, housing and other elements. Photo: Mike Puma

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk requesting that representatives from the City Emergency Services Board ("EMSB"), the Commissioners of the City of Buffalo Departments of Fire and Permits and Inspections, the Director of the Erie County Health Department's Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Rural Metro Ambulance Services, and other interested parties appear before the Council to address whether to strengthen the powers of the EMSB, how this might be accomplished, and how to otherwise improve the overall quality of ambulance services in the City of Buffalo. Among other duties and responsibilities, the EMSB performs the critical function of recommending which ambulance company should be selected to provide service to the City. The City's current contract for ambulance services is with Rural Metro and is set to expire on July 1, 2012. The protocol for ambulances to respond to calls is approximately eight minutes, however there have been numerous reports of "Level Zero" situations when no ambulances are available or response times are 30 minutes or more. The Council maintains that it is essential that the City's next ambulance service contract ensure sufficient levels of ambulance personnel, vehicles and resources at all times to ensure quick and effective responses to emergency calls.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Ellicott District Council Member Darius G. Pridgen supporting the designation of a "Drug and Gun-Free Zone" in the vicinity of The Belle Center to assist in their on-going efforts to provide a safe and drug-free environment. The Belle Center is a non-profit, multicultural community center located at 104 Maryland St. whose mission is to offer innovative educational, social and community building services for children, youth senior citizens and families to improve lives, create opportunities and foster self-sufficiency. In order to accomplish this mission, it is critical to provide an environment in which the 350-plus youth and families attending the Center's programs on a daily basis can feel safe. The Belle Center has requested the City's assistance with this by asking that the Belle Center area be officially designated as a "Drug and Gun Free-Zone." Signage to this effect would be installed around the north, south, east and west boundaries of The Belle Center (Hudson Street to the north, Maryland Street on the south, Seventh Street on the east, and Busti Avenue on the west) in an effort to improve security at the facility for those who use the Center's services.

The Council adopted a resolution sponsored by Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk supporting the request of the Allentown Association, Inc. to conduct the 14th Annual Allen West Festival. The purpose of the festival is to promote arts and crafts and support those talented individuals who create such work. The event will take place the weekend of June 9th and 10th 2012, between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm and streets will be closed to general traffic between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm. The event will be conducted in the area bounded by North Street and Symphony Circle on the north, Elmwood Avenue (west side) on the east, Virginia Street on the south, and Orton Place and Cottage Street on the west.

The Council approved a resolution giving permission to the Pride Center of Western New York, Inc. to hang flags on light poles along Elmwood Avenue between Forest Avenue and West Chippewa Street. The flags will celebrate Buffalo's Annual Pride Festival and Parade and will be displayed from May 28, 2012 through June 28, 2012.

The Council approved a resolution sponsored by North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. giving permission to Buffalo Citybration to hang a banner on Elmwood Avenue at Lancaster Avenue. The banner will celebrate Buffalo Citybration's 7th Annual Celebration of Buffalo and will be displayed from May 21, 2012 through June 25, 2012.

The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Niagara District Council Member David A. Rivera giving permission to the Hellenic Orthodox Church of the Annunciation to hang banners along the streets that surround the church located at 146 West Utica Street. The banners will celebrate the church's centennial anniversary and will be displayed from the end of May until the anniversary celebration in September.

The Council approved a resolution sponsored by Council President and Lovejoy District Council Member Richard A. Fontana waiving any and all room rental fees for use of the Machnica Community Center by the Weiss Street Block Club.

Upon the recommendation of the Department of Permit & Inspection Services, the Council approved the following license and permit applications:

• Ellicott District

Restricted Use Permit- Downtown Entertainment District

Pure, located at 67 West Chippewa St. (a.k.a. 75 West Chippewa St.)

Sunday, May 27, 2012 (8pm to 12am)

Saturday, June 2, 2012 (10pm to 4am)

Friday, June 29, 2012 (10pm to 4am)

• Fillmore District

Permit to Alter Use- 1st Floor Tavern, 2nd Floor Two Apartments

L. Nelson, owner of the property located at 19 Wadsworth Street

• South District

Permit for Renovations to a 1 Story Metal Building

M. DiPasquale, agent of the property located at 175 Fuhrmann Boulevard

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning ("OSP"), the Council:

Authorized a Payment in Lieu of Taxes ("PILOT") agreement between the City of Buffalo, County of Erie, and DePaul Properties, Inc., for the redevelopment of former Buffalo Public School 60 located at 238 Ontario Street, into affordable rental housing. DePaul Properties, Inc. is proposing to rehabilitate 60 units that will provide housing opportunities for low to very low income households. The total project is estimated to cost $21 million.

Authorized an easement agreement, along with a Utility Rider, between the Buffalo Board of Education and Niagara Mohawk for necessary electrical upgrades to School Number 61 located at 439 Leroy Avenue.

Upon the request of the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority ("BMHA"), the Council:

Authorized a wage increase with benefit concessions for the exempt position of Executive Director to the salary of $125,000. The wage increase and benefit concessions are identical to thsoe negotiated for union employees represented by Local 264, White Collar, Blue Collar and Managerial Units.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council approved the following contract change orders:

The contract with Nussbaumer & Clarke, Inc., for the City Hall/City Court Fire Detection/Alarm Systems Project, was increased by $43,200 to include design and construction oversight on the smoke and heat detection system that were not included in the original project but are needed to bring the entire system up to full compliance. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $135,000 and with this change the contract will increase to $178,200.

The contract with Foit Albert Associates, for the Ellicott Street Phase 1 Project, was increased by $252,696 for additional services necessary to complete the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $527,884 and with this change the contract will increase to $780,580.

The contract with RobsonWoese, Inc., for the Historical Society Electrical Branch Wiring Renovation Project, was increased by $15,500 for additional services necessary to complete the project. The contract was initially awarded in the amount of $77,000 and with this change the contract will increase to $92,500.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works ("DPW"), the Council:

Authorized DPW to hire URS Corporation, based on a previous request for quotation ("RFQ"), to provide architectural and engineering services for the North Buffalo Ice Rink Modifications Project.

Authorized DPW to accept funds in the amount of $3,320,483 from the New York State Consolidated Local Streets and Highway Improvements Program ("CHIPS").

Authorized a reduction in the retention of the contract with Frey Electric Construction Co., for the Backup Power for High Service Pumps Project. The retention of the contract will be reduced from five percent to one percent in order to allow for completion of the project.

Upon the request of the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, the Council approved the following reports of bids:

Of the bids that were received for the City-Wide Mill & Overlay - 2012 Phase I Project, Destro & Brothers Concrete Co., Inc. was the lowest, with a bid of $3,434,961.

Of the bids that were received for the Kleinhans Music Hall Masonry Wall Reconstruction Project, Morris Masonry Restoration was the lowest, with a bid of $32,400.

Of the bids that were received for the Richmond Avenue Streetlights Replacement Project - Phase I, South Buffalo Electric, Inc. was the lowest, with a bid of $95,650.

Of the bids that were received for the Water Main Replacement at Various Locations in South Buffalo - Seneca Street Area - Phase I Project, Sicar Management & Construction, Inc. was the lowest, with a bid of $1,405,036.

Of the emergency bids that were received for the Fire Engine 34 Emergency Asbestos Abatement & Encapsulation Project, Stohl Remediation Services was the lowest, with a bid of $9,950.

The Council approved the appointment of the following individual to the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority ("BMHA") Board of Commissioners:

Donna Brown

The Council appointed the following individual as a Marriage Officer in the City of Buffalo, which will commence May 25, 2012 and expire June 8, 2012:

Philip Celniker

The Council approved the appointment of the following individuals to positions within various City of Buffalo Departments at a step above the base salary:

Department of Public Works

• Laborer II

• Bonita Brown

Department of Police

• Police Captain

• David S. Stabler

• Marcia Scott

• Patrick A. Roberts

Police Detective

• Michael J. Strobele

• Margaret M. Serafini

• Joseph W. Glendinning

• Shawn D. Adams

• Raymond M. Krug

• Kevin R. Paul

• Earl E. Perrin

• Police Lieutenant

• Jeffrey Rinaldo

• Anthony J. McHugh

• Michael J. Alberti

• Michael A. Delong

• Ivan A. Watkins

• David M. Cieply

• Michael W. Watkins

• Robert P. Sheridan

• Sean P. Phillips

• Melinda Jones (Zak)

• Aaron V. Young

• Thomas R. Whelan

• George P. McLean

• Darren P. Labedz

• Shawn M. Dowell

• Thomas J. Moran

• Rickey V. Lark

• Louis A. Kelly

The Council accepted the appointment of the following individuals to positions within various City of Buffalo Departments at the base salary:

Department of Public Works

• Laborer II - Seasonal

• Chester Nicometi

• Bridge Operating Engineer - Seasonal

• Robert Kreutinger

For any questions, concerns, or further information regarding the above, please contact your District Council Member, the Common Council Legislative Staff Office, or the respective City Department.

To view the live streaming of Common Council meetings on a personal computing device with internet access, please insert the following address into the device web-browser:

www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Leadership/CommonCouncil/Common_Council_Live_Coverage.

Instant Live Stream Replays are available at:

www.ustream.tv/user/CommonCouncil/videos

To view replays of a Common Council Meeting please visit the City of Buffalo Government Television website at www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Government_TV.

Photos from taken from this meeting can be viewed at:

www.flickr.com/photos/buffalocommoncouncil/

To view the final Common Council Meeting agenda and/or supporting communications, please visit the City of Buffalo website at

www.city-buffalo.com/Home/Leadership/CommonCouncil

BUFFALO COMMON COUNCIL

David A. Franczyk
Fillmore District
1315 City Hall
851-4138

David A. Rivera
President Pro Tempore
Niagara District
1504 City Hall
851-5125

Richard A. Fontana
Majority Leader
Lovejoy District
1414 City Hall
851-5151

Michael J. LoCurto
Delaware District
1405 City Hall
851-5155

Darius G. Pridgen
Ellicott District
1408 City Hall
851-4980

Demone A. Smith
Masten District
1316-A City Hall
851-5145

Joseph Golombek, Jr.
North District
1502 City Hall
851-5116

South District
1401 City Hall
851-5169

Bonnie E. Russell
University District
1508 City Hall
851-5165

Common Council Legislative Staff Office
1413 City Hall
851-5105

James N. Jackson
Legislative Assistant
City of Buffalo Common Council
1413 City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202

Buffalo CarShare's Latest Donation Comes with Four Wheels

2012-05-16T14:30:04Z

By Xavier Guillaume:

Local carsharing organization Buffalo CarShare has received small monetary donations; however, area couple Athalie Joy and Peter Gold have just handed over their car keys, making this Buffalo CarShare's first time ever vehicle donation. Buffalo CarShare offers community vehicles that are parked throughout Buffalo that folks can rent and use by the hour. They just need to reserve the vehicle online or over the phone, walk to the vehicle, unlock it with their key fob, and then when they're done, bring it back to the same spot.

Before becoming carshare members, Ms. Joy and Mr. Gold contacted Buffalo CarShare hoping to donate their 2009 Toyota Corolla. Since moving into the Elmwood Village, they discovered how infrequently the two of them needed a car at the same time. When asked about giving up their car, Ms. Joy explained, "I moved my office closer to our apartment, so I walk almost every day to work. And with paying extra every month for a parking spot, and maintaining the vehicle, having to buy new tires, it just didn't make any sense to keep the car."

Ms. Joy and Mr. Gold tell how good it feels to be a part of the community, and that's why they decided to donate the car to be used by the community as opposed to just selling it. "We make contributions to organizations of all sorts, and when we do we like to keep it local. Although this is probably our biggest donation," said Mr. Gold with a chuckle. "And the reason we chose Buffalo CarShare is because it's local, it's diverse, and everyone can use a car."

The car can now be used by Buffalo CarShare members and is located behind the Network of Religious Communities at 1272 Delaware Avenue.

Ms. Joy also introduced Buffalo CarShare to the non-profit organization Canopy of Neighbors, which was recently featured in an article on Buffalo Rising. Canopy of Neighbors helps seniors who no longer drive by coordinating volunteers who drive them on errands and to appointments. Thanks to Ms. Joy, Buffalo CarShare and Canopy of Neighbors have since developed a partnership, allowing volunteers to be able to use carsharing vehicles, particularly the newly donated car, which will be located down the street from Canopy of Neighbors. This means volunteer drivers do not have to pay for gas and wear and tear on their own vehicles while volunteering, or do not need to own a vehicle to volunteer their driving services.

Creighton Randall, the Executive Director of Buffalo CarShare, gave his enthusiasm about the donation, "This is a wonderful development for Buffalo CarShare - thanks to Athalie and Peter's generous donation, we can offer our services to a whole new neighborhood. We are also very excited to partner with Canopy of Neighbors. We see our service as one more example of how Canopy empowers their members to remain in their home as they grow older - whether it's through direct use of our service, or a ride offered by one of the many Canopy volunteers using Buffalo CarShare."

Buffalo CarShare holds the unique status of having arguably the most diverse membership base of any carsharing organization in the nation (more on this can be found in Buffalo CarShare's two year report). Folks from all walks of life and economic backgrounds use Buffalo CarShare, so the organization has members like Ms. Joy and Mr. Gold who can donate a car and members who give by volunteering. These members believe in Buffalo CarShare's mission to be "a community-driven organization that advances affordable and community-driven transportation".

If folks are interested, they can donate money, a vehicle, or their time by volunteering. Donations can help those seeking a tax deduction and help members and non-profits, like Canopy of Neighbors, gain affordable access to vehicles. One can reach Buffalo CarShare by phone at 716.898.0850 (M-F 9-5), or by stopping into their office located at 14 Allen Street.

Black Rock Historical Society's Traveling Museum

2012-05-16T13:09:10Z

This Sunday, the public is invited to attend a very special occasion in Black Rock. The event is a dedication for the Black Rock Historical Society's Traveling Museum. The event will take place at the Buffalo Religious Arts Center at 157 East Street on May 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM. The occasion is intended to celebrate both the past and the future of Black Rock. It's also an amazing opportunity to check out the Buffalo Religious Arts Center. According to Historic Preservation Committee Member and Founding Member Black Rock Historical Society, Doreen DeBoth, "This is just one of the accomplishments that our newly formed historical society has completed within the past year. We've also installed 9 permanent historic markers in Black Rock so far with 6 more to go that will be installed within the next few weeks (4 were in collaboration with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy). Also completed are 8 murals that reflect the area's history. These are located at Tonawanda Street and Amherst Street. In addition to all this, we produced a website, a brochure and two videos that will be previewed at this event.

"Our Historic Preservation Committee has worked very hard trying to accomplish all this within the year with funding from the Nigara Greenway Commission to mark the War of 1812 Trail. The public is gernerally not aware of the importance Black Rock played in this war or that it was also burned along with Buffalo on Dec. 30, 1813. Therefore,the Black Rock Historical Society in conjunction with the Black Rock Riverside Good Neighbors Planning Alliance's Historic Preservation committee invites everyone to the dedication of its new traveling museum. The museum consists of four panels dedicated to the War of 1812 battles and battle sites in Black Rock and six panels featuring historic locations and buildings in Black Rock's historic Market Square district. All ten panels contain photos and explanatory text. Accompanying the exhibit will be two 5 minute videos on the War of 1812 and the Market Square district.

Donovan Make-Over: More Images

2012-05-16T04:05:00Z

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has passed along a few more images of Benderson Development's Donovan Building makeover. The former state office building was acquired by Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation in 2008. Benderson was the only bidder that responded to a request for proposals to redevelop the property where construction is quickly progressing.

A 96-room Courtyard by Marriott will occupy three floors in the eight-story, 160,000 sq.ft. building. Law firm Phillips Lytle has leased the building's top four floors.

]]> A two-level parking deck will be constructed on the north and east sides of the building. A planting trellis has been added to the structure to soften the view of the garage from Washington Street. Also along Washington Street is a drop-off area that provides access through the parking structure into the building.

Clark Construction Group, LLC, the nation's largest privately-held construction company, is general contractor. Orchard Park-based Fontanese Folts Aubrecht Ernst Architects, P.C. is architect for the revamped building to be known as One Canalside.

Buffalo in Bloom 8th Annual Kick-Off Celebration

2012-05-15T20:35:41Z

It was back in 2007 (photo) when I first covered Buffalo in Bloom (B in B). It was after walking out of City Hall when I stumbled upon a group of B in B volunteers who were busy transforming Niagara Square into a colorful garden-scape. It was no small undertaking, but considering the group behind the effort, it was most likely just another day of getting good deeds done. How many times have you walked past an urban garden and noticed the B in B logo planted on a stake? Too many times to count I would imagine. Once you stop to think about it, it is partially due to organizations such as B in B that we can rely on our city being filled with so many private and public gardens. Between The Garden Walk, The National Garden Festival, Grassroots Gardens, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, ReTree and Buffalo in Bloom, our city is in pretty flowerful hands.

On Saturday May 19, 2012 at 10:30 am, Buffalo in Bloom will host the 8th Annual Kick-off Celebration in the lobby of Buffalo's City Hall. "Our group of dedicated B in B volunteers plant and maintain all the gardens surrounding Niagara Square," Helen Brady (Steering Committee) wrote to me. "We also then have teams of volunteer "scouts" that canvas every street in the city of Buffalo and recognize and award a Bloom sign to beautiful front gardens. This is a huge undertaking and we are in need of more volunteer Buffalo in Bloom scouts this summer. We "bloom" gardens in July."

If you are interested in being a scout or would like to help to 'bloom' Buffalo, please consider visiting the organization's website.

Construction Watch: 520 Main Street

2012-05-15T19:18:16Z

Another piece of the puzzle in the 500 Block of Main Street is coming into play. 520 Main Street, directly next to the Hyatt, is being redeveloped by Ellicott Development. The group has owned the building for several years and after the success of the Belesario next door, they have recently begun work to bring the building back online.

Office space or retail is planned for the first floor and two residential units are planned for the second and third floors. Throughout the building there is still a lot of original architectural integrity that remains. The building most recently served as Gamler's Jeweler and retains some unique features from that period like a large vault, ornate staircase, and cast iron storefront columns.

The upper floors have some great views of Main Street as well as some intact architectural features. Unfortunately, when the Hyatt atrium was constructed and an internalized walkway was created, the entire secondary façade of 520 Main Street was obscured. Although original windows and the fantastic columns of the original storefront remain intact, the visual character from this side of the building has been lost from the exterior. The original columns will be retained which will create some pretty unique space on the first floor.

Commercial space on the first floor clocks in at 1243 sq. ft. and the residential units are 1486 and 2032 sq. ft. The apartments will be completed around mid-August and will be sure to add the growing momentum of reinvestment on the 500 Block.

For additional photos check out my Flickr photos, Views of Buffalo

Rigidized Riverfest Regatta

2012-05-15T17:23:26Z

Each year I beg and plead for people to head down to the old First Ward to attend the Riverfest Regatta. Every year the attendance for Riverfest and its infamous regatta gets greater and greater.

Now that there are finally familiar destinations along the Buffalo River such as Riverfest Park, as well as the familiar standbys like Father Conway Park, there are myriad activities to be found. While Riverfest in itself is worth a trip to this reawakening part of our waterfront, it is the regatta that causes the biggest splash each year. Boat builders of all caliber spend countless hours creating water crafts that are agile, authentic, seaworthy and fast (well, that's the goal at least) in order to compete in a competition that can get downright ugly. In the end it is the most creative and seaworthy vessel that will take the grand prize of $1000 home... or to the closest brewery.

While building a boat is the ultimate task, there are plenty of landlubbers abound. Grab a case of beer and watch from your favorite perch along the river. Or even better, bring along a canoe or kayak and enter the race (different brackets for different boats). Here's all the info that you need to know, including links for schedules...

June 16th, 2012 for the 12th annual Rigidized Riverfest Regatta!! Canoes and kayaks are welcome with a $20.00 registration fee with all proceeds going to the Valley Community Association. Your registration gets you a t-shirt. Pre-registration is the only guarantee to receive a t-shirt.

For more information and applications, please visit www.rigidizedregatta.com or call (716) 823-4707 ext. 2. Follow on Facebook.

Saturday, June 16th 11am

Party at River Fest Park

Built your own boats launch from the foot of Smith St.

Canoe and Kayak launch from Clinton/Harlem

$1,000 prize for "Most Creative Seaworthy Vessel", $500 for the runner up.

Valley Community Association

c/o Rigidized® Metals Corp. Attn: Patti

658 Ohio Street

Buffalo, NY 14203

Sabres Are Team Players with Canalside

2012-05-15T14:11:55Z

When you have a major sports team located on the city's waterfront, you would think that management would be just as interested in the state of the immediate environs as the general public. Can you imagine what the Sabres Organization could accomplish if 'the team' were to buy into the Inner Harbor? Of course the team does great things in the community on a regular basis, but if their front doorstep is in need of attention, then there's no reason not to use a little bit of muscle and elbow grease to spiff things up. While I always imagined that the 'no brainer' move for the Sabres would be to take over the DL&W Terminal in order to turn the place into a pre and post party space for the games, I suppose that any steps taken to invest in the waterfront community is a good sign.

Today the Sabres Organization's owner Terry Pegula is announcing that the team is taking steps to "...cover the costs of enhancements and landscaping at unfinished city parcels at the Central Wharf area near Canalside." The fact that Canalside has come so far yet still has so many cosmetic flaws has been a thorn in the side of the city. With so many visitors attending events, boating nearby, or simply taking strolls, it is unacceptable at this stage of the game to have any substantial blight (see architect Charlie Gordon's recent examples).

The Sabres Organization can affect some real change down there if they are sincere about this community buy-in. After all, if you think about the thousands upon thousands of hockey fans that visit First Niagara Arena, they should be just as concerned with impressions as the rest of the partners at Canalside. The First Niagara Center should be synonymous with Canalside... up until now it appeared as if none of the vested interests were interested in partnering up for the betterment of the waterfront. Then, suddenly the Seneca Nation in the Cobblestone District announced that it would help to clean up the neighborhood, and now the Buffalo Sabres are committing to doing the same... what could possibly be next?

Buffalo Sewer Authority Public Meetings

2012-05-15T13:29:49Z

For years we've talked about reducing our sewer overflows, in order to prevent sewage runoff into our waters. We see the spewing results of outdated sewer systems mostly after heavy rainfall when the lines cannot accommodate the amount of water runoff that is generated due to non-permeable streets, buildings and parking lots. Without the necessary green infrastructure in place, we will continue to see the negative results. Of course this would mean that a public-private partnership would be required moving forward in order to collectively reduce combined sewer overflows. That is why Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper is inviting the community to take part in the Buffalo Sewer Authority's Public Meetings.

Here are dates, times and links for more information:

BUFFALO SEWER AUTHORITY PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday, May 15, 16 and 17 at 6 PM in several locations throughout Buffalo

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper has asked Buffalo residents and business owners to come to the Buffalo Sewer Authority's Public Meetings to encourage the use of Green Infrastructure solutions to the City's combined sewer problem.

Community meetings will be held as follows:

* Tuesday, May 15 at 6 PM at the Pratt Willert Community Center

For info and directions visit http://bit.ly/J55eEH

* Wednesday, May 16 at 6 PM at the Seneca Babcock Community Center

For info and directions visit http://bit.ly/J5eBEd

* Thursday, May 17 at 6 PM at the North Buffalo Community Center

For info and directions visit http://bit.ly/KmGuqn

Photo: Finger dam in Scajaquada Creek - a tributary that is constantly experiencing the negative issues associated with sewage overflow

Sinatra One Day Buying Spree: Three Properties, $5.75 Million

2012-05-15T04:00:01Z

Property owner and developer Nick Sinatra kept the County Clerk's Office humming on Monday. Sinatra and his affiliated companies purchased three apartment buildings in the Elmwood Village and Medical Campus areas for a combined $5.75 million. Each had been owned by Barons of Buffalo LLC. Sinatra's Sinatra & Company Realty has been purchased over a dozen properties and over 320 apartments and commercial space over the past year or so.

The largest building purchased yesterday is the 77-unit 400 Elmwood Avenue. Sinatra paid $2.39 million for the circa-mid1920s, four-story building (below).

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The Wayne Apartments at 1106-1110 Main Street (entry image) were also purchased from Barons of Buffalo LLC for $1.65 million. Consisting of 32 units in a pair of buildings, the Wayne apartments are at the edge of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, just south of Summer Street and across from the Our Lady of Lourdes complex that Ellicott Development plans to redevelop.

In the Elmwood Village, Sinatra purchased 220 Lexington, the former Lexington Food Co-Op location for $1.71 million from Dane Chapin (Google image below). The three-story building at the corner of Lexington and Ashland has 5,700 sq.ft. of retail space and 21 upper floor apartments.

"I'm very excited about it," says Sinatra. "They are in great locations with big potential over time."

Planned upgrades for the three properties are undetermined. 400 Elmwood is said to need a significant amount of work. None of the properties appear to require a total rebuilding like Sinatra's The Fenton Village project at Main and W. Ferry streets.

Get Connected: Sinatra & Company Realty, 716.220.8468

Urban Pop Up Park: A New Take On 'Built Environment'

2012-05-14T19:51:35Z

On Wednesday May 16 join Landscape Architect Joy Kuebler, Architect Catherine Faust and Educator Melissa Leopard at Hallwalls as they present the concept of urban Pop Up Parks, and the effect that they will have on the city's youth and neighborhoods. The Pop Up Park is being touted as a 'design and building opportunity' for middle school students who will be given the tools (literally) that they need to construct built object(s) out of recycled and found materials.

The first Pop Up Park will come to life on June 9th (location TBA), and then the idea will travel to other urban sites from there. The park concept is a spinoff-hybrid of the "Adventure Playground Building model that gained popularity in London after the blitz in WWII and the Gever Tulley Tinkering School Program".

Pop Up Parks presentation:

Wednesday May 16th at 7 pm @ Hallwalls

Free and Open to the Public!

Hallwalls

341 Delaware Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14202

(716) 854-1694

Photo: A child plays in the tree house at Adventure Playground's opening in Central Park - nycgovparks.org

List of echo Art Fair 2012 participating artists and galleries

2012-05-14T16:26:25Z

It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce the artists (see below) who have been accepted to show their works at this year's echo Art Fair on July 7-8, 2012 at the Larking Center of Commerce. Not only will there be exceptional artists presenting their works, the venue itself will be a major draw as most people have never seen the interior space. Event creator Frits Abell wrote to me to say that, "We are extremely excited about echo Art Fair 2012. We're pleased with the organic growth of the fair, and the new programming additions. The biggest change is that we have expanded echo Art Fair to two days. We also kick off the weekend with a VIP preview party on Friday, July 6. We did this to accommodate for larger crowds and to allow for more viewing and buying opportunities."

As for the reasoning behind the art fair's move from the Central Terminal to the Larkin Center of Commerce, Frits expressed, "We also decided to move echo from the Central Terminal to the Larkin District, mainly due to the Larkin's central location. There is also an underlying appreciation, among many property owners there, of art and design. We are expanding the programming this year. To complement the actual fair, which is held in the Larkin Center of Commerce, there will be a wide array of site-specific works strategically positioned throughout the Larkin District. Also, we have a panel on "Collecting Art: 101" scheduled. We're also very gratified for the participation of several out-of-town galleries and artists--many with personal ties to the Western New York community. One of my missions, as founder of the Buffalo Expat Network, is to continue to build a community of expats from around the country to drive opportunity back to Buffalo. The interaction of area artists and galleries with our expat friends is certain to create such opportunity."

EXHIBITORS

464 Gallery (Buffalo, NY)

Monica Angle (Buffalo, NY)

Michael Amrose (Buffalo, NY)

The Benjaman Gallery (Buffalo, NY)

Cappuccilli Fine Art (Syracuse, NY)

Charles Bank Gallery (New York, NY)

Daniel Faria Gallery (Toronto, Ontario)

Dorothy Fitzgerald (Buffalo, NY)

Estate of Jackie Felix (Buffalo, NY)

Timothy Frerichs (Fredonia, NY)

Fotini Galanes (Buffalo, NY)

Gigi Gatewood (Brooklyn, NY)

Amy Greenan (Niagara Falls, NY)

Melora Griffis (New York, NY)

Jody Hanson (Buffalo, NY)

John Harrigan (Buffalo, NY)

Jeremy Holmes (Ithaca, NY)

Richard Huntington (Buffalo, NY)

Indigo Art (Buffalo, NY)

Jessica Bradley Art + Projects (Toronto, Ontario)

Kasia Keeley (Buffalo, NY)

Felice Koenig (Buffalo, NY)

William Maggio (Buffalo, NY)

Mark McLoughlin (Buffalo, NY)

Meibohm Fine Arts (East Aurora, NY)

Esther Neisen (Buffalo, NY)

Nina Freudenheim Gallery (Buffalo, NY)

OGRE (Buffalo, NY)

James Paulsen (Albany, NY)

PDX Contemporary Art (Portland, OR)

Jean-Michel Reed (Buffalo, NY)

Karen Sardisco (Rochester, NY)

Katherine Sehr (Buffalo, NY)

Kathleen Sherin (Buffalo, NY)

Shasti O'Leary Soudant (Buffalo, NY)

Joshua Sperling (Ithaca, NY)

TECUMSETH STREET GALLERIES

Birch Libralato (Toronto, Ontario)

Diaz Contemporary (Toronto, Ontario)

Georgia Scherman Projects (Toronto, Ontario)

Susan Hobbs (Toronto, Ontario)

ECHO FOCUS ARTISTS

Awarded each year to two artists whose work is, in the opinion of the fair producers, of exceptional merit. These artists are presented by echo Art Fair.

Dennis Maher (Buffalo, NY)

Gary Sczerbaniewicz (Buffalo, NY)

Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body

2012-05-14T15:56:02Z

To adults, most bodily functions are just that - bodily functions. But to a kid, there's nothing quite so fascinating as learning about runny noses, body odors, etc. At times, most times, these unpleasantries can be tough to discuss with kids, without embarrassing moments and lots of laughs and giggles. Thankfully, the Museum of Science has got you covered. As of May 25*, you can head to the museum to explore the yucky sights and sounds of 'Grossology' - an exhibit that got its start based on the best-selling book by the same name.

By using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative exhibits, 'Grossology' explains the science of the human body in a way that kids can really grasp. After all, what young tyke wouldn't want to walk through a giant nose to learn about nasal features? And to top that off, there's a pinball machine called 'Gas Attack' and a virtual reality instillation called 'Urine: The Game'. Kids can even take a ride down the GI Slide... and climb a large-scale replica of human skin. Did I mention the 'Burp Machine'?

All of these great interactive demonstrations are geared towards teaching children the fundamentals when it comes to understanding the seemingly 'gross' characteristics of the human body. "This is science in disguise," says Grossology author Sylvia Branzei who is also a teacher, writer, curriculum designer and microbiologist. "If we teach students in their own words, they'll understand better and actually learn something."

*The exhibit opens at 4:30pm on Friday, May 25 for the museum's Final Friday extended hours. Grossology is a collaboration between Science World, Advanced Animations, and Grossology author Sylvia Branzei.

Entry to the exhibit is included with general museum admission:

$9 Adults

$8 Seniors 62+

$7 Children 2-17, Students & Military w/ ID

FREE for Museum Members and children under 2

The exhibit and museum are open daily 10am to 4pm and extended hours will be offered until 9pm on the Final Friday of the month (May 25 - opening at 4:30pm, June 29, July 27 and August 31).

For more information call 716.896.5200 or visit the museum website at www.sciencebuff.org.

Help us preserve and protect...

2012-05-14T13:48:46Z

When I read Steel's posts on sprawl, I am always left to wonder what the best ways to preserve our natural resources might be. Of course sensitive zoning is one way to make sure that vital land is protected, but there are other proactive ways of safeguarding pristine wilderness so that clear-cutting woodlands doesn't lead to over-developed land. Some say that building 'up' the city with taller buildings offers people desirable residences that would draw them back into the urban core. Others note that there are urban parcels on the East Side that would offer homeowners land as well, if only a Master Plan could be enacted upon that would help to stabilize the neighborhoods.

In the end, there is one surefire way to protect pristine country land from overdevelopment, and that is to purchase the land in order to designate it "Forever Wild". This morning I received an email from Kathy Lasher who wrote that she and others were in the midst of attempting to purchase 60 acres of land from a property owner who was set on selling to any party that would be willing to pay the asking price. The owner did tell the group (Friends of Mill Road) that they would have until the end of 2012 to come up with the money. When I read Kathy's email, I couldn't help but think how my grandfather had once fought to preserve land as "Forever Wild" in the Adirondacks 50 years ago. Today that land is as beautiful as the day when he fought to protect it. I understand the plight that Kathy and her friends are faced with, and am convinced that until rigid land use initiatives are drafted and implemented, purchasing unspoiled land for "Forever Wild' purposes is the way to preserve the land for future generations to enjoy.

From Friends of Mill Road:

The view from Mill Road between Sweet and Blakely is one of Aurora, NY's most treasured. Generations of Western New Yorkers have enjoyed the scenic vistas across the valley, breathtaking in all four seasons, from wildflowers and bright green meadow in springtime to the snow-draped evergreens of winter. With a 180-degree panoramic view to the west, this is the perfect place to watch the mist rise in the morning or to witness the sun sinking below the ridges at day's end.

The Friends of Mill Road, a citizens group, has a one-time opportunity to secure this property for future generations by purchasing and preserving the 60 acres of open space that create this view. The purchase agreement with the landowners gives the group until the end of 2012 to raise the funds needed to acquire the property, construct a scenic overlook and place a conservation easement on the property to protect it forever.

The group has embarked on a $630,000 capital campaign to purchase The Mill Road Scenic Overlook. While they are well on their way to their goal, they still need to raise additional funds. Project partners include the Town of Aurora and the Western New York Land Conservancy.

The public is invited to The Mill Road Project Spring Gala on Saturday, June 9 at the Roycroft Power House in East Aurora. The event will include lite fare, cash bar, jazz guitar music by Natural Elements Duo and a silent auction featuring such items as silent auction items like a fly-fishing trip, balloon ride, and a yacht tour of the Buffalo waterfront. Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/247073, at the Roycroft Inn in East Aurora or from committee members.

For more information, visit www.friendsofmillroad.org.