But would trees add as much life to this part of the street as that wonderful new Courtyard Mall facade?

Sorry..could not resist.

Main St is in dire need for more trees.

However, since it will soon be dug up for reconstruction, and new trainstations built... there is no reason to plant trees now. The plan for cars-sharing-main already includes landscaping concepts. Before we rush into planting trees that will only get destroyed in a couple years, we should review what has already been planned.

I love the trees in the Theatre District.

I agree with both the need for more trees as well as the need to wait. The 700 block of Main Street is going to get its reconstruction this year and then moving southward once the NFTA and the Federal ADA people come up with a plan that enables ADA accessibility to all train cars.

It is also important to mention that the benefit of trees have a real world cost savings. The amount of storm water that enters the system is proportional to the costs of our water bills. It is also related to how often the system breaks and flushes sewage out into our waterways. More trees would mean more water retention and less overflow. Healthier environment and lower water costs.

It also saves Air Conditioning costs for buildings. Most office buildings in Buffalo are air conditioned 6-8 months of the year. Shade from trees decreases the demand on Air Conditioning and reduces the electricity bills of the structure. It also makes the outdoor air temperature lower by releasing some of that stored water from its leaves into the air around the tress.

They also raise property values which increases individual equity and therefore the tax roles of the city. Streets without trees are not seen as safe healthy places to live and raise a family. It is very important for even the psychology of a place to have trees.

There are certain streets that I think shouldn't have trees because of the use and function of those streets but Main Street is not one of them. It is large enough and demands them.

I think that one of the obstacles to in-the-ground trees along some stretches of the street is the presence of vaults under the sidewalks in front of many buildings (maybe?). And pushing them closer to the tracks could impede boarding of the light rail cars. Every few years there has been a push to add more green to the pedestrian mall; funding was secured to add trees in the Theater District years ago, mostly in above ground 'containers.' Now it seems it makes sense to wait until the re-traffic project is done.

If anyone went to the Main Street Open House a while back, the whole street is planned for trees wherever underground utilites don't restrict them.

Funny how both these pics do not have a single person [well, 1 or 2] in them unlike the "Downtown Retail On The Upswing "post. Should of hired the actors again...

LOL. You should be onesmartypantsmartin.

I've said all along that what Main St. needs is trees, grass and plants and not cars. Some water feature would also be great. Buffalo has fewer working fountains than almost any city I have been to.

Now bring on my star for being against spending the money to put cars back on Main.

LOL. You should be onesmartypantsmartin.

I've said all along that what Main St. needs is trees, grass and plants and not cars. Some water feature would also be great. Buffalo has fewer working fountains than almost any city I have been to.

Now bring on my star for being against spending the money to put cars back on Main.

MORE TREES LESS BUSH