Having light rail run through here again would be great for commuters to work, especially when gas hits $10/gal (don't laugh) Trains running from Amherst, Clarence, OP, Cheek., etc to Central Terminal, then defusing toward the different sections downtown. Even a park and ride concept with trains running from CT to downtown would be great. This would provide several benefits, both economical and socially.

1. The area would save $ (on the whole) from buying less gas. 2. Gas prices would drop (supply/demand) for those needing to still buy it. 3. Development around the Central Terminal to support this operation & all the railroads would create hundreds of jobs. 4. Revived interest in being downtown during/after work due to taking trains instead of running away in cars. 5. People from the suburbs could actually mingle with others (public transportation) instead of 1 person waste of gas anti social driving everywhere. 6. It's legal to drink and train. 7. Air quality/quality of life increases 8. etc etc.

simcoe = yet to write an intelligent post

Doc, don't you think you're being a little oversensitive? I mentioned the extreme cold because it was a fact that made putting this documentary together even more of a challenge. I'm sorry that was such a deterrent to you!

Mike what are the future restoration plans for this year? the website makes no mention of the future of the cocktail lounge, restaurant, waiting concourse, the restoration of lighting fixtures, the restoration of electrical outlets, the mail buildings, the baggage building, the tower, ....nothing.

Mike also have you talked with Gladys over at the CRTC and why she is ignoring the obvious positives downtown, ecc downtown, larkin district and central terminal with some cockamame proposal for a cobblestone loop she wants $10,000 to pursue. Did you piss her off or something that she wont consider a proposal along the old betway to the central terminal.

You know it would be better for downtown Buffalo if the NFTA Light Rail Maintenance Yards were relocated from the DL&W to the Central Terminal. It would provide either rent or a buyer or a partner in the restoration of the Central Terminal while providing nearly the entire DL&W (1st floor and 2nd floor) for redevelopment. One of the reasons why the DL&W cant be redeveloped is because the 1st floor is inaccessible but that entire situation would change if the NFTA relocated to the Central Terminal and that could only happen if the light rail is extended to the airport (or atleast to the Central Terminal/larkin district)

great scott!

Possibly the newer Amherst town board would be interested in the rail running out there, since the previous supervisor was against it.

Yes, you're correct. It will most probably cost over $100 million to renovate, but look what's happening now at the Richardson.

Brette, there will be an announcement soon regarding the board changes at the terminal.

Chris69, there will only be a light rail stop at the terminal AFTER it is restored to full use. We've partnered with Gladys and the CRTC and although I have not seen her or talked to her since last year, I don't believe that the idea to extend the light rail to the airport has changed. As far as restoration plans go, we are still working with BOCES on the installation of 12 toilets in the waiting room and the restoration of the restaurant area will continue.

And Dagner, it's plainly visible if you watch the documentary, that it was very cold inside during the interviews. That's just a fact. And if anyone is disappointed or deterred by the fact that a cavernous cement building, protected only by plexiglas and plywood, is cold in the winter.... well, I'm sorry but that can't be helped.

Damp, you have all the ideas... care to help?

thanks for the heads up on the showings on wned.

Here is a bold idea for the central terminal!

Extend the light rail to ECC downtown, the Larkin District and the Central Terminal instead of their moronic cobblestone loop, then relocate the light rail maintenance sheds from the DL&W downtown to the Central Terminal.

Wallah, the Central Terminal has its first year round rent paying tenant to pay for further renovation and the full DL&W gets access to redevelopment.

This movie should be profiling just how much this rail complex can be of use TODAY!

look the best that Buffalo can do is to raise its quality of life issues which puts things like farmers markets, light rail, school vouchers/school choice, small business high tech incubators, etc.....front and center.

We cant do much about albany, unions, political corruption and bloated government to name a few of our ills but we can put Buffalo in a category that other cities cannot compete in quality of life, diversity, arts, culture, sports and productivity.

Right now Buffalo is as dirt poor, uneducated and low class and somewhat worse than other areas of the country because atleast other areas of the country still care about clean gutters, peeling paint on their homes, trees, flowers, etc. I can drive down hertel and elmwood and undoubtedly still look upon building after building that hasnt been touched in 40 years.....now if people dont care on their primary retail corridors how are they going to care in the other 99% of the city that doesnt get explored by outsiders.

Truth is we complain alot about Buffalo but we dont do anything to connect our downtown to Niagara Falls, UB Amherst, the Airport, Buffalo State or the Botanical Gardens to name a few light rail isnt even on the radar...and its truly something that makes we wonder why any person with a brain would invest their lives and their childrens lives in such a place where the people with money and power simply have no civic concern for their city. Its the most selfish city in the nation....Buffalo should be renamed Pottersville after that movie its a wonderful life....The Bailey Savings and Loan left Buffalo long ago.

Mike - thanks for posting this!