While on a recent trip to Costa Rica I couldn't help but admire the simple way that some retail outlets were set up and run. When closed for the night the garage doors were rolled down and locked, which was such an easy way to protect the merchandise. Then, in the morning the merchants would arrive, roll up the doors, display merchandise out front in order to attract attention, and then wait for the customers to walk past. They appeared to be as proud of these storefronts as their competitors just down the street occupying expensive build-outs. They swept their sidewalks, interacted with passersby...

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (PBA) is proceeding with longstanding plans to demolish seven PBA-owned vacant homes on Busti Avenue between Vermont Avenue and Rhode Island Street.  PBA wants the homes removed to expand the Peace Bridge Plaza.  But before the wreckers roll, the PBA is allowing interested parties the opportunity to acquire and relocate the houses free of charge.  Subject to paying all removal costs of course.  757, 765, 771, 777, 783, 791, and 793 Busti Avenue are all on the wrecking list and are

By Michael Farrell:
Editor's Note: The Thirsty Buffalo on Elmwood has arranged with Bona alums to host a Bonaventure party for the game from 2:00 until 5:30 on Friday. Bar will feature drink specials for the SBU-Florida State game at 2:45. (see Facebook) - Thirsty Buffalo Bar & Grill 555 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
What does 'Bona' mean?
It's

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
While Buffalo Bills fans spent Wednesday playing "Where's Mario?" all around Western New York, I've been cyber-stalking every Twitter account and Buffalo sports site waiting to hear one way or another about if Williams will sign. You know what I've found out since last night and the night before? Pretty much nothing... well, nothing of note anyway...
Honestly, this is what has passed for solid, researched sports

Mayor Byron W. Brown and Common Council President Richard Fontana gathered at the steps of Buffalo City Hall today to announce that Buffalo has suspended winter overnight parking restrictions.  The projected mild forecast for the remainder of the month prompted this action.

"This is the first time Buffalo has suspended the winter overnight parking restrictions early," said Mayor Brown.  "Thanks to the early spring like conditions, these restrictions are no longer needed at this time."

To facilitate snow removal, the seasonal restrictions took effect November 15, 2011,

Delaware North Companies and the Jacobs Family have donated $250,000 to the Martin House restoration project.  Delaware North has been a longtime supporter of the Darwin D. Martin House, and this announcement supports completion of the house's restoration.  In addition, this gift will count toward the challenge grant recently issued by LPCiminelli. 

"This is an important project in Western New York, and we are certainly proud to support the effort to restore this historic landmark," said Lou Jacobs, a principal of Delaware North Companies who also currently serves as vice

There are sports bars and then there are sports bars dedicated to fútbol. 
Right now, the closest thing that Buffalo has to a serious pub dedicated to soccer? I don't think that there is one. Yes, there are bars that get into the games when the World Cup is in action, but other than that there's really not much going on. If you're a fan of watching serious fútbol, all the time, then you'll be happy to hear that there is a pub opening that is designed for you.
It's being called Més Que which means 'more than', which is part of the motto

For only the second time, the Burchfield-Penney Art Museum is organizing a showing that will be dedicated to its members' works of art. The exhibit will be featured in the East Gallery. There is also a Project Space for multi-media entries. If you're a member of The Burchfield, consider entering one of your best pieces by following these guidelines:
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Buffalo's grain elevators/silos are one step closer to being lit up. What has been a dream for many, is being seriously considered by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC). At a recent board meeting it was agreed to assign Foit Albert as the company that will take the lead on the initiative. Foit Albert is being tasked to draft a pilot project that would see the elevators and bridges lit up along the Buffalo River. 
Initial team members include Ambiances Design Productions (see

Lucy Ethiopian has opened on Amherst Street, giving Buffalo its first official Ethiopian Restaurant. I was bummed that I could not make it to the restaurant's opening night mainly because the advent marked a big occasion for many of us who have been anticipating landing such an unusual cuisine. All the same, I was finally able to stop in to place a to-go order and was happy when I was welcomed by friendly owners, a bright and cheery atmosphere, and more seating than I imagined. Owners Naima and Abba (photo - see

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
These aren't your parents' Buffalo Bills anymore.
Free agency just began Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 pm and already Buddy Nix and Ralph Wilson are flying in some of the biggest free agents for a little meet and greet at 1 Bills Drive. According to reports, both defensive end Mario Williams and wide receiver Robert Meachem are already going to talk with the Bills about maybe improving their

Although not recognized as the official park renderings (yet), the latest placeholder for the upcoming Broderick Park public meeting has come through. I would imagine that this is the rendering that we will most likely see unveiled at the meeting as the initial direction that design firm Trowbridge, Wolf and Michaels Landscape Architects LLP is heading. 
You will note that although there are some similarities to the previous released designs (seen here), and there is now a vehicular 'turn

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
Yesterday, Bills oft-injured linebacker (and future 4-3 defensive end) Shawne Merriman showed he may have some worth to the success of Buffalo, whether or not he plays another down on the field. Though he's spent two years with the Bills, Merriman has played in exactly five games in the red and blue, all of them in 2011. He's well down the rehab road now, almost ready to start back on the field again, but it's

Two years ago, teacher, actor, and director Megan Callahan founded the Buffalo Actors Learning Lab (B.A.L.L.) with the hope of providing local actors with an opportunity to explore new techniques and make connections with others who share their passion. 
As a transplant to the Queen City, Callahan brought with her a desire to continue her exploration into the Michael Chekhov acting technique and to share this concept with fellow actors. According to Callahan, Chekhov's approach is centered

By Joshua Bauer (Football Nation):
This one was tough, kids. With nine picks over seven rounds (an extra fifth rounder for Lee Evans, an extra sixth for Marshawn Lynch), there's a lot of players to look at. The Bills' greatest needs lay with their pass rush (28th in sacks, with QBs finding all the time in the world to throw) and, ironically, their pass protection (Fitzpatrick ran for his life the second half of the year, as his line was decimated by injury), but they could

A former hospital turned apartment building will have a new use later this summer: a school.  West Buffalo Charter School (WBCS) has finally found a school site in the former Lafayette Hospital at 113 Lafayette Avenue, corner of Barton Street.  WBCS is expecting to welcome its first students in the fall.

"We are so excited to have a building and begin preparing for our opening in August," says Andrea Todoro, School Leader.

WBCS is leasing the entire building from Ellicott Development Group with long-term plans to purchase it from the developer.  Ellicott Development

The Virginia, Edward, Trinity, Tupper, Elmwood Block Club, known as the VETTE is comprised of sections of the streets within its name, invites the community to join members of the club for an evening of great music, comedy and poetry at a fundraiser to help with the beautification efforts of the neighborhood.  This includes sustaining the neighborhood's Grassroots Community Garden and to fund a new garden on the corner of Edward and Virginia.  The fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 25 from 3 to 6 pm at Nietzsche's, 248 Allen Street.

The event will be headlined

Who doesn't love a fabulous feast? Especially when the feast is one that helps to support of the largest free Shakespeare festivals in the country. Maybe you've been going to see the free Shakespeare plays for years and have always thought about making a financial contribution? Or maybe you're a theater junkie and know how important it is to offer a free shows to the public in order to enhance the cultural climate in the city. Whatever the case may be, the annual Fabulous Feast, which takes place on Saturday March 31 from 6pm to 10:30 pm is the perfect opportunity to support the series, while

If you've ever been lucky enough to see a dragon boat competition (soon to be an Olympic event) then you know that it's something that you will never forget. Dragon Boats are some of the more interesting rowing vessels used for team racing. On Saturday June 16 at 9am Gallagher Beach, located at the NFTA Boat Harbor, will be the place to be on the waterfront as over thirty boats congregate to battle it out for a charitable event on the waters of Lake Erie. Each boat accommodates twenty-two rowers - that's around 600 participants who are expected to attract over 2500 spectators.
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Have you been reading about certain waterfront developments, but can't pinpoint exactly where everything is? Have you wanted to take a bike ride along the waterfront though you've hesitated due to being unfamiliar with the trails? On Saturday June 9, a group bicycle ride along the Riverwalk bicycle path is being planned that will lead riders from the Erie Basin Marina to the Ontario Street Boat Launch and Black Rock Canal Park. 
Upon completion of the seven-mile ride, participants will then embark upon a 2.3-mile paddle, beginning at the Ontario Street Boat