I noticed the other day that having lights (the ones wrapped around the street lights) on Elmwood and Hertel really add a lot to the ambiance to the streets. I realize these are "holiday" lights, but why not leave them up during our long, dark winter months? I really think the lights on the streets make the areas seem more interesting and inspire people to stay out later shopping and going out to eat. Please leave the lights up longer, the neighborhoods seem so much more inviting. Thanks! -Andrea
Indeed Elmwood and Hertel have looked especially vibrant this past holiday season, as have other districts including Main Street and Chippewa. Obviously these business districts would not leave the evergreens and ornaments out too long past the holiday season, but Andrea is write that they do add an inviting look to the streets.
In order to answer Andrea's question I called Sue Whelan, owner of Floral Explorations on Hertel Avenue. Sue is a boardmember of the Hertel - North Buffalo Business Association, an association that has been around for approximately 30 years. Sue was excited to say that there are upwards of 75 businesses active these days, and they are now accepting membership from the neighborhood residents.
"There is a big campaign coming up - we are expecting a major increase in membership next year," she told me. "Since the money from membership goes towards things like holiday decorations, our plan for 2007 is to buy all new decorations and really show off the avenue. Some money also comes from the Italian Festival. This year the snowflake light were the same as last year, but there is a big push for bigger and better next year. People are so encouraged, and there are new businesses opening up everywhere. Kabling, Home Accents, Oddball and Empire have opened on our block alone. At one time we had banners on the light standards, but due to wear and tear they are no longer around. We are talking about adding decorations throughout the year, and I encourage anyone that is interested in seeing these types of advances on Hertel to get involved with the association."
The normal meetings are the second Tuesday of the month, and they are planning a big party towards the end of January. If you want to get involved, please call Sue at Floral Explorations: 716-838-4916