...that this city-owned lot was aptly named, 'Needle Park.' That's right, where just a few years ago one would find relentless pan-handlers, there is now a refreshing air of city flare. Last evening, this small park which hosts small businesses the likes of Globe Market and East Meets West Yoga was alive with people venturing out for an evening snack. This stretch of Elmwood has recently attracted a series of ice cream shops that people can't get enough of. And you know what ice cream attracts? Kids. Tons of kids. There were strollers and training wheels and kids in stomach-pouches and kids running around in circles and sitting at the kiddie pads... ok, you get the scene. Kids and yoga and markets though? Places to let your kids run rampant at night? Evening hikes to Globe Market? Remember 'Needle Park'? When did things change?
Well, back then there was no, Brodo, Spot, Kuni's, etc. Places to eat were limited at best. Now, within a block we have sushi, gourmet soups, fresh sandwiches, desserts, baked goods, teas, markets, you name it. And best of all? We have people supporting all of it. Buffalo will always have its pizza places and its hamburger joints (and those will always be the best in the country), but now the city celebrates a diversity in food that not many people are willing to give us credit for. At least for now. Remember all the kids I mentioned earlier? Well, these kids are going to grow up remembering how much activity was on Elmwood when they were little. The momentum has changed. And Buffalo continues to change with it, due in part to the private investment of these small businesses that were willing to take a chance in a city that, for the most part, seemed to be run like business as usual.