Buffalo Rising Online

what a f'n shitbag!

Could it be that the problem with Buffalo housing isnt that its worthless but that its priced to low.

Imagine if we took every $30,000 to $70,000 property and just increased it by $100 or $200 thousand dollars. The low price give the impression of being worthless which scares buyers off...and the high price gives the impression of value and price appreciation which comforts buyers into enough security to purchase.

I think this person is onto something.....

PS, this house is begging to have its porch returned. Infact, a porch would be perfect for a restaurant that wants outdoor service.

I agree aka_mouse, the city doesn't need to be a boom town, it just needs, slow stead, consistent growth. You boom too quick, grow to fast and you loose your sense of self and set yourself up for disaster. We have a nice city with a good unique culture and people why would we want to screw ourselves just to be like the rest of the nation that if you are reading this blog you probably don't want to be like.

Steady consistent growth means our kids have jobs and homes they can afford.

The two blocks on Allen, Main to Franklin are the worst. Its plagued with issues, least, the rowdy gay bars which are no more rowdy than the straig bars along the rest of allen. I live next to the parking lot on the corner of franklin and allen. Over the last 3 weeks this what I has happened: - approx 7 cars broken into or vandalized during broad day light and over night, including my own - vagrants, bums and patrons of businesses in the area urinating on private propert, I even had a bum take a dump in my recycling bin - a recent saturday morning found a 20 something yo male passed out in my entry way to my building - just last night I had to yell at someone urinating along my building while he was hold a 40 in a paper bag - When I asked two transexualls to leave my step at 2 am, they argued with me as if I did something wrong, one threw her sunglasses at me when I threatend to call the cops.

Now I dont mind the normal bar noise or comings ang goings of the patrons but all I would like is people to be respectful of where I live.

Since January 2006, in the parking lot on the corner of Allen and Franklin ( I can see the entire corner from my windows). There has been sex in cars, drug use, drugs deal, littering, loitering etc.... I have complained to Clover Mgt who I was told managed the parking lot and the building Neo is moving out of, I have sought help from the Allentown Association, was told they'd look into after the Artfestival. I did send an email after the festival no response. I also complained to the Mayors office.

Also, no takes care of this parking lot on the corner of Franklin and Allen. It is not lighted. My mom and I spent a sunday a couple months ago sweeping glass up and picking up litter. Also, when ever I return home or my mom walks her dog we routinely pick up trash. I do park in the lot after 5 only (so I dont get towed) and wash my car there. So I dont mind picking up the litter.

I do have to say the Buffalo Police are helpful in helping with loiters where I live and in the parking lot. They help about 6 months ago when someoone was dealing drugs from an apt in the house on Franklin next Fiddle Heads.

Also, there are a couple problem properties as far tenants, the Red Jacket, both Apts buildings across from Cathode on Allen and N. Pearl. Some of these people are the same people causing the problems I stated above, not all just some of the tenants.

With that being said why would someone want to invest in that part of Allen... its starting to look very empty.

I agree big time the parking lot at Allen/Franklin is a disaster - always filled with broken glass. The store on the corner of North Pearl and Allen seems to attract a lot of the scumbags.

Can the abc board stop the store from selling loose cans of beer? that may eliminate some of the problems.

You boom too quick, grow to fast and you loose your sense of self and set yourself up for disaster. ...Steady consistent growth means our kids have jobs and homes they can afford.

"Consistent growth" is an interesting way to describe things.

Not things here, of course, but things in various places no doubt.

According to trends from the Census for population and Bureau of Labor Statistics for jobs, it would seem the risk of our city or county "booming too quick" in the foreseeable future is ...well, uh, let's say rather low. So there's one thing to cross off the worry list. I suppose the good news is that very affordable housing and our sense of self both seem very safe from such booming dangers.

Can the abc board stop the store from selling loose cans of beer? that may eliminate some of the problems.

Johnny, I don't think that board has authority to do that. Not even sure if the Common Council has power to do that legally, but if they do I'd guess it would need to be a more general restriction applying to all stores in the city or at least to some category of stores.

I think, banning the sale of single cans will put a small dent in the quality of life issues. I see a lot of the bar goers pre-gaming in the parking lot or making trips to drink from their cars. In the mornings you can tell how many urinted in the parking lot by counting the spots. I have to regularly hose down my walk way due to such behavior. I think what MRODGERS suggested along with other ideas will work. For one, increase police presence. Also who ever own or manages that parking lot should light the parking lot and keep clear of brush and litter.... Can we do something about those damn shopping carts !

kelly - next time call the police about illegal parking, you'll get a better response. If anyone really is in trouble and needs assistance, call 911 and report a fire.

Kelly- I was just talking with one of my neighbors last night about the police presence. We figured if we put another Towne Restaurant at the east end or Dunkin Donuts .. that will help increase the presence, but as in your problem last night they may be just as useless. I do have to say they cops have been helpful with drug house I mentioned earlier and dealing with two people drinking on the corner of allen and franklin.

Hey, GeneralPinch, what's wrong with gay bars? I often have business on that end of Allen and I'm glad they're there. Way preferable to biker bars.

Doesn't this owner's effort to turn $73,000. into $275,000 without making a single improvement in the property constitute flipping ? Also, I wonder where General Pinch gets his idea that the gay bars are rowdy. I've been in 'em all and "tired gay bars" would be more accurate.

There has been some roof repair. I was told he did about $70k in work on the inside.

The owner did convert the dilapidated rooming house to four offices and one apartment with costs of about $70,000. Before he took over the property, the roof was caving in and the inside was a mess. He replaced the roof, upgraded the electrical, added kitchenettes in each office, painted and carpeted the whole interior. All in all, he spent about $145,000 and has plans to redo the outside. These improvements have substantially improved the market value of the building, which is reflected in the asking price.

Please feel free to call Anne Gillick or myself with any questions on the property at 716-854-5943.

Craig Klausen

I think gay bars in that area are an asset to Buffalo. Every growing city needs a 'gay ghetto,' as they're called. Admittedly they are loud, but their being clustered together (Q, Fugazi, Cathode Ray) and crowded/rowdy bring an awful lot of people downtown. Maybe gay people will start buying up those underpriced houses and redecorate :) It happened in Columbus (http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/flagwars/).

Graphic Rage - no, I said "next time call the POLICE about illegal parking, you'll get a better response." The FIRE DEPARTMENT automatically responds to all fire and ambulance calls. If your house is burning down and there is a slow response time, it may be because someone has heartburn.

I agree Kelly - It was pretty thoughtless of the community image, as well as plain stupid, not to improve the outside of the building. When i saw the for sale sign i just assumed it was being flipped as well. He'd have more success putting a fresh coat of paint on it and removing the awful awnings and "FOR RENT" signs. Good luck getting that price without it being fully rented.

I walked this strip the other day. It was pretty vibrant with many people outside (5pm sunny day). But I admit, I didnt walk to Main St cause I was scared of some thugs hangin out near Main.

I have a property around the corner from this building, which I bought back when the neighborhood was empty. On Tuesday afternoon at 1, I learned that a tenant was moving out August 1. A quick ad on Craigslist resulted in 15 qualified responses, in three hours. Granted, it's a smaller unit, but demand in this area (for a good unit) is not a myth. "Binz" comments above are on the money. When the train station is altered, and the BNMC makes other planned changes, this stretch of Allen will improve. That's not wishful thinking, but a continuation of the progress made over the last ten years.

It doesn't need to be 'perfect' for this area to continue to improve. Some flavor of the city is what people are looking for (or at least willing to put up with). Years ago, when I felt outnumbered, my best weapon was a pit bull from the SPCA. I haven't met a drunk/transvestite/prostitute/bum who didn't leave after being shown the dog, and told 'if you're here in three minutes, you meet the dog.' I guess I can safely say now, he's a pussycat.

I express shock over the litter and the urine because I rarely ever see anyone picking up around Allentown and at the frequency it happens. Just last night I saw someone urinating in the parking lot and when he was done walk into Q. That I dont get..I do my share by picking up trash in front of the property I live in, 46 Allen and the parking lot on the other side. My mom also helps. Like I said before I don't mind the noise coming from the bar and the patios. I welcome it! I'd be more worried if there area was quiet. I am very respectful of the partiers. The one I found past out in the vestibule of the building I live. I woke him with out startling him, made sure he was ok, chatted with him for a about 20 minutes and offered him coffee. I also assist those who ask with directions. You can regularly find me on my steps with my laptop enjoying the neighborhood. I love the place but I think when guy took a dump in my recycling bin kinda gave me a wake up call or when 7 cars were broken into in the same parking lot in less than 2 weeks. While there is a strong police presense on Chippewa during the party nights why not Allent Street from Main to Wadsworth. If you see me on my steps say HI!

Just a heads up to all you out there... This past month I took a look at 46 Allen Street... The inside is absolutely amazing.. I saw before and after pictures and there is no doubt that it is worth a buy... Unfortunately, my busniess partner is not in the position to buy at this time.... If you are in need of office space and interested in any way- I suggest you take a look and make an offer.. All the offices are clean, spacious and brand new.. You know what they say "don't judge a book by it's cover"