Buffalo Rising Online

We need to get Ride Aide to redesign it's building so it's right up to the street and parking in the rear, and let's redesign where KFC is, a whole new building with KFC as the first floor tenent.

also there's the the original bryant street studios, (now art on bryant) studio spaces and 7 artists is still in the jailhouse behind rite aid where it has been for decades. (we would love to expand and tear down rite aid)

i agree that things there are getting worse, and the neighborhood took another recent slip; lots of new grafitti has appeared on the back of kfc and some more on the side of rite aid.

One rumor is a dollar store.. that would pretty much seal the fate of that stretch of Elmwood

This comes off as sounding rather elitist. I actually think a store selling everyday odds ans ends (given the store is pedestrian oriented) is more useful to neighborhood residents than another gift shop or bistro. Vital, successful urban commerican strips inculde a variety of stores, for all income ranges and needs. Elwmood needs more useful stores. A monoculture of yuppie boutiques will not ensure long-term health of the street.

This stretch of Elmwood and the neighborhood around it is one of the higest density parts of the city (tons of apartment buildings) yet it seems to seriously lack walkable retail amenities. The auto-oriented eyesores marring the Elmwood corners at Bryant and Summer stymie pedestrian culture, forcing area dwellers to get in their cars and drive to stores that offer essential goods. Commercial land use in this particular stretch (besides those two blocks of Elmwood with lots of stores) is spotty at best. This area could stand to support some mid rise residential, mixed use projects. This is the only way cancerous junk like KFC and Rite Aid will be removed from the fabric. And, yes, some of these stores need to be boring, everday item stuff.

You can have all the finest restaurants and antique stores packed into a block, but an urban commerical street fails if residents still have to drive to get milk, eggs, medicines and stationery supplies.

There's a dollar store on Elmwood already... that would be like putting up another Walgreens at the corner of Elmwood and North when there's already one at Delaware and North. How many dollar stores do you need within walking distance of each other? This neighborhood already has one at Elmwood and Virginia!

Were the people out front of KFC protesting the crummy design of the building or the crummy treatment of chickens?

does KFC-Corp own that property or is it leased to them?

Newell, I wasan't necessarily stating that there should be a dollar store in the old Pier one, I was just pointing out what seems to be a bias against everyday needs retail. I'm talking more along the lines of a general discount emporium, whether not it's locally owned or a chain.

The arguement that these sort of stores attract only "riff raff" can be be thrown out by noticing that they exist in most suburban strip plazas. Doctors, Lawyers, and Soccer moms love these stores just as much as the poor college student or overworked single parent.

Think about all the people who live on nearby streets like Lexington, Hodge, Summer, Ashland, Norwood, ect. I'm sure many of them would love to be able to walk to a store where they can pick up a mundane household item like an extension cord, soup ladle, or kitchen knife without driving to a big box store.

Also, I don't think the Walgreens arguement works here. Walgreens represents coming into a neighborhood, tearning down old buildings and plopping a suburban-template bigbox store and oversized parking lot. In this discussion we are simply talking about resuse of a vacated pedestrian-oriented storefront like where Pier One used to be.

Useful item stores, whether vernacular or upscale, that offer a walkable alternative to commercial functions monopolized by auto-oriented locatons are a great way of chipping away at car culture and stregnthening a great street like Elmwood. If neighborhood residents must driver their cars other places to buy all their day-to-day essentials, then Elmwood fails to be anything beyond a kitschy local tourist destination.

Sometimes we need to embrace the mundane.

Gabe-

I don't have any problem with "embracing the mundane" and I don't think any other person commmenting on this site does, either. The problem with the dollar stores is that they are not good neighbors. I work around the corner from the store on Elmwood and Virginia and walk or drive past it daily. The store makes no effort to remove debris from their lot, makes no effort to beautify the lot or buiding (landscaping, etc. ) and allows loitering and panhandling on it's premises. While it is true that not every store or business on or around Elmwood is neighborhood friendly, it is in the best interest of the Elmwood area to promote businesses which have a big stake in their surroundings. The dollar store can exist in a rundown storefront, pay little attention to surroundings, aesthetic qualities, and cleanliness and still turn a hefty profit. In fact, it seems to be the business plan for these stores. They move in to an unoccupied storefront, put up a cheaply made sign and start doing business. The low overhead ensures their ability to offer products at such a low price. A business that is slightly more high end must do more to attract customers, including maintaining an attractive, clean, and in some cases, aesthetically pleasing surrounding. These stores benefit the area. A dollar store is nothing more than a rite aid with different products. You stressed the importance of eradicating stores such as Rirte-Aid, or at least, forcing them to comply with local standards. And as far as dollar stores existing in the suburbs, you are correct. However, many of these stores have no choice but to locate themselves in large shopping centers or plazas where a CAM (common area maintenance) fee is included in the lease price. The CAM fee allows the plaza to hire a company or employ a caretaker to maintain the grounds. There are very few sites in the city of Buffalo that charge these fees.

no more mundane...that area is so cheezy and stores like the dollar store bring an un-desirable element to the area, nice speciality shops is what we need, get rid of the fast food and donuts bring in bookshops and such and more cafes...

Books.....yes. Forget all of the what makes a city comments. We will all know that Buffalo is back when we see the following. A large book store on Elmwood or around that area and a Tim Hortons downtown. And of course a public transit system that gets me there instead of driving my car ( not a bus ).

But anyway ... bookstore in pier one

Yeah, Martin, and forget the needs of the people that live in that area. Don't get me wrong, I'm not into Dollar Stores, but your comment is so Nazi.

martin - I agree with masked avenger, that statement is ridiculous. what is this "undesireable element" exactly? people who can't afford $5 lattes? Buffalo should make life for its residents better, rather than alienate them.

I've seen Forever Elmwood's vision for the corner of Bryant and Elmwood and it is excellent. They envision a multiple-story, mixed use building that wraps the corner. KFC won't be there forever and when it is gone, I hope Forever Elmwood's vision becomes reality.

I would luv to see a Barnes & Noble on Elmwood, and some more mens clothing store. Seems to be mostly womens retail available right now.

I'm with Gabe. A dollar store with an attractive canvas canopy over the sidewalk could be a fine addition to the neighborhood. I live in the Elmwood village and am distressed about the increasing concentration of luxury lifestyle shops and cafes. These are fine per se and I patronize them myself. But if rents rise too high to allow for anyone to sell basic necessities, then Elmwood will price out economic and retail diversity and suffer as a result.

If that happens, come to Grant Street, which still successfully offers essential retail to a pedestrian-based neighborhood.

What makes Elmwood an attraction and a draw for people throughout the region (and even out-of-towners!) is the fact that is has a high concentration of unique shops and boutiques. You are not going to be strolling down Transit Rd, and popping into "The Ruby Slipper" or "Nektar". I know that there needs to also be necessity shops that serve the immediate pedestrian community, but another "dollar store"?

I agree with Gabe and the others that many of these posts sound very elitist. Examples:

-- "No dollar store." "No more mundane." -- "Get rid of the fast food." --"The problem with the dollar stores is that they are not good neighbors."

The median household income in the city of Buffalo is less than $25,000 annually. With the mean household size about 2.4 individuals, that's a lot of people who aren't likely to shop in upscale boutiques and gift shops. This elitism seems to me to be the biggest failing of the urbanist dream: it only encompasses the well-heeled, the educated, and the sophisticated. The rest of the populace might not exist for all the visionaries care, so that makes all these great visions of Buffalo simply fantasies. It's not going to happen because there aren't enough of the well-heeled, the educated, and the sophisticated to support a commercial strip.

If you want sanitized retail where you won't rub elbows with the "riff raff", I suggest you move to Williamsville and shop in the village.

As a architecture student at UB in1999 we looked at the KFC and Gas Station Site. My project can be seen at : www.rogerschroeder.com/Elmwood Page.pdf

Bryant is an important cross street to Elmwood because of the Hospital. Pier One offers a large open floorplate in a highly desirable area. Pier One offered a great visual treat to the streetscape it will be a great challenge to the community to find something to fill this void. I would think this loss should be a high priorty issue for Forever Elmwood. With so many things going right on this street this appears to be one of the few things going wrong.

I can see the same or similar development thats happening on Elmwood and Forest happening at this location.

Personally, I think its only a matter of time before the Womens & Childrens Hospital (the should just call it the anyone but MEN hospital) moves to the life sciences corridor, then I think it will be converted to apartments making the entire front of Bryantt perfect for a 5story+ mixed use development (more offices, more retail, more jobs, more residences)

Linda-D, why would you use the median household income in the City of Buffalo when discussing a Dollar Store in the Elmwood Village? Accroding the BERC, the average household income in the Elmwood Village is $42,226. Paints a different picture of the neighborhood, doesn't it.

A Dollar Store on Elmwood Ave does not have to serve the entire city. It needs to serve the neighborhood. And like it or not, the Elmwood Village, compared to the rest of the city, is a prosperous, hip area that features upscale shopping and amenities. Let it be that.

What's wrong about wanting a neighborhood to feature upscale retail over dollar stores? WHY NOT? Exactly who is the elitist by bashing those who would prefer a bookstore over a dollar store? I say the person who is--for whatever reason--jaded against people with income and the right to spend it.

Let Elmwood be Elmwood, in BERC's words, " a shopperis paradise, with boutiques,restaurants, cafes, delis, salons, specialty shops and nightclubs."

If you want to go to the Dollar Store, visit the one on Grant, Virginia, Hertel, or Delaware.

Linda-

Perhaps you failed to read my entire post. Simply taking my "dollar stores are not good neighbors" sentence and using it out of context to bolster your argument is wrong. In my post, I outlined a number of reasons why the dollar store is not a good neighbor, for the sake of time, I will not reiterate my points. I will, however, pose these questions; What is wrong with good neighbors? What is wrong with those who maintain a property in a responsible manner? Why the heightened concern with an area becoming "upscale?" If being elitist means that I support a clean, aesthetically pleasing environment, then by all means, call me elitist. Buffalo has for too long suffered under the control of those who strive simply for mediocrity. It is time for a change.

in an area where homes go from 100k to 500k i have no idea about that median income you talk about...williamsville. i think not...i am an urban person, but working hard for what i have i have chosen to live in an up-wardly mobile area and expect the comforts that go with it, every city has these area's, they also have area's for the "undesirables" plenty of places for these more unfortunates to shop and live, plus, as un-politically correct as this sounds, they are a messy crowd who litter, spit, yell, and panhandle...i think niagra street is perfect...

s,

I would not assume that every store that sells discount household items would neccessarily make a "bad neighbor." This is a dangerous steroetype at best.

And I have no problem with upcale shopping, but i'll say again that any successful urban retail street needs a healthy mix of business types--most importantly small shops that cater to everyday needs.

I agree that a dollar store chain would probably not be in the best interest of Elwmood, but a locally owned general merchandise emporium would be a great addition to the street--mundane or upscale. Pier one filled these shoes well, they sold many useful household items and decorations. Do we really need another bookstore (talking leaves and rust belt are already great additons to the general area) Do we need another cafe or overpriced bistro?

I think conceding that Elmwood can't support everyday needs pedestrian-friendly retail is self-defeatist and suburban in nature--assuming all EV have cars and will just drive to Target to accomplish those needs.

Wow. Up until reading his disgusting, thinly-veiled racist classist remarks, I used to respect Martin Kemp. Now I just think you are a sad, pathetic, little man. You should be ashamed of yourself. I used to live on Bryant St. and moved one block south to Summer. Yes, Rite Aid is an eyesore, but it's convenient and when my lightbulb burns out or I forget to pick up garbage bags at the store, or feel under the weather, I can walk there and take care of things, without having to get in my car and drive to Wegman's or Walgreens. You also forget that those stores serve people living a few blocks over too. You know, those "undesirable" poor, black people you don't want to have to look at or acknowledge. And saying they can stick to Niagara St., is a cop-out, considering it's every Allentown/Elmwood yuppie's wet dream to gentrify the West Side and continue expanding their lily-white "urban" and "up-wardly mobile" empire, never resting until they actually push out all the "undesirables" into the Niagara. My god you should be ashamed of yourself!

QUEENS EYE: I WAS A BIT DISAPPOINTED THAT YOU SUGGESTED THAT THE FORMER BRYANT STREET GALLERY WAS IN NEED OF "AN ARTIST OR 2" SINCE MY HUSBAND IS AN ARTIST & HAS BEEN RENTING & USING THE SPACE AS A COMBINATION STUDIO/GALLERY SINCE IT WAS VACATED BY ITS PREVIOUS TENANTS LAST YEAR. MAY BE YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT ON THE SPRING GALLERY WALK!!!!

Gabe-

I really am not overly concerned about stereotyping dollar stores as bad neighbors. I am not saying that the people who shop there are bad, just the stores. Walk by the dollar store on Grant and Ferry, it is a mess. Granted, the whole neighborhood is a mess, and I won't dare delve into the socio-economic problems that exist in this and other areas, that is a whole other post. However, it is safe to say that the stores in that area generally contribute to the overall problem of garbage and debris littering the area. The problem with these stores, and others that are not neighborhood conscious is that they don't care. They don't care if the neighborhood that people work hard to make better gets, for lack of a better term "shitted up." As long as the store turns a profit, the owners care less. That mentality is not the case when a business must compete to stay vibrant. This type of business will go above and beyond to maintain a relationship with it's neighbors, who are also it's customers. Also, you fail to realize that the market dictates what is successful or unsuccessful. Years ago, small independent stores that sold every type if product imaginable were present. The public, as the market, dictated the demise of these stores. For better or worse, people will go to the big stores like target. I am not saying that it is a good thing, only that it is true. Additionally, everyday "mundane" oblects are available on Elmwood. For example, Elmwood panhandler sells a variety of kitchen utensils. Sure, they are pricey, but they are of the highest quality and will be around long after the dollar store item of the same variety breaks and is thrown to the curb. We should focus on quality. Quality items, from quality stores. By doing that, we will ultimately make out better in the long run.

Oops, my bad Pam... I'll swing by for sure!

well, never ment to upset people... and yes as an urban person i agree the reason we live in the city is for the convienence of being able to WALK to a store for a light bulb, or hang with friends over a latte or cosmo, i love the fact that i can walk to shea's etc, but the best part of the city is the arcitecture, the great people we have met, and the different neigborhoods, BUT, after years of big business leaving this region, ions of bad political office, flagrent waste of taxpayer money, suburban landlords [in the truest meaning of the word] who own property and run it into the ground and the many people who live off the coffers of tax payer money but put nothing back into the community. these are whom i speak off. i have been absent from buffalo for 20 years, i have chosen to live here, understand... "chosen" is the key word. in the 2 years i have been here i have heard countless times, from buffalonians..."why here" [in a negative term] i used to say "becouse we like it" now i say "get out if you don"t like it" i stand by my comments, this city was built for 600,000 families, 300,000 now live here, many [most] area's are terribly run down, all these empty , boarded up homes, and as any person would have to admit, a house does not get run down on it"s own. it takes years of neglect, by the owner or resident, and too many people are what i call undesirable, these are the ones who could give a damn about how or where they live, yards are a mess, old couches on the porch, never paint or even make an attempt by even putting a single damn flower in the yard to brighten it up, no pride in themselves or their neigboorhood. if i did not believe in buffalo i would not of bought my house and spent every damn last nickle to re-hab it [after years of negect] or two more homes which are going under re-hab [also years of negect] or moved my business here [and yes, had to re-hab the storefront, even though i do not own it]. living in allentown, myself and my fellow residents have all worked like dogs to bring the area back to life, as many, many have done in the delaware district, and i can tell you, as a group, we are sick and tired of picking up litter that these people drop as they leave the nasty corner delli's [also run down] off the street, our yards, and area public space, i hate going to my store and washing the windows after someone has spit on it [as a joke?] i am tired of pan-handlers and low lifes yelling and screaming as they walk down the center of the street. with all the development that is finally starting to pop, and people wanting to re-hab a home, or live in one of the many new apartments that are going up, or the wonderful condo's being built, we have new LIFE arriving in the city, it is an exciting time to be here, but the struggle to clean it up is far from over as long as to many people do not give a damn about our neigborhoods, their neigboorhoods, our city, their city.... the poor or struggling? i have no issues with them at all, i know so many hard working people struggle to make ends meet and my heart goes out to them, i thank god i have been blessed, but as i said, i worked hard, very hard for what i have and i will fight tooth and nail to keep my house, my street, neigborhood, my city clean and welcoming to people who live here, visit here, plan to move here. and yes, i would like to see one, just one area that is welcoming, safe, and so what...up-scale. when my sister visited from atlanta for thanksgiving, we did the elmwood strip for a day of xmas shopping and lunch, we truly enjoyed our day as did her children, "shopped till we dropped" as did all the other people we saw out that cold saterday afternoon, and i tell you what, we would of seen more people if there had been more shops down the strip such as a barnes and noble and other stores that would draw people from the suburbs or other area's, it's called a "destination point" which all city"s strive for, would'nt you love to hear once again these words "why yes, we're going to the city today for shopping, sightseeing and lunch".

I agree that a business such as a drug store provides a basic necessity, which is integral to a functional neighborhood, but does it have to be housed in a dilapidated, unkempt building? Why not tear it down and build a new Rite Aid that looks nicer and is managed properly? For example, the Walgreenis on Hertel isn't an eyesore and definitely does not detract from the neighborhood. Couldnit that be the case with this Rite Aid?

I was thinking that maybe a smaller supermarket like Dashis could be cool in the Pier One site, but with the Lexington Co-op and Latinais down the street, I guess there really isnit a need. Anyway n a supermarket there would be tough because of parking. A Barnes and Noble sounds awesome, but would Talking Leaves have a freak-out? I remember the whole Starbucks fiasco, and in the end, did it affect really Caffe Aromais business? I see three coffee shops on Elmwood, all within close proximity of each other, and they all seem to be doing ok. Maybe that would be the same with a B&N?

Quite honestly, I think there needs to be more affordable dining options on Elmwood. The majority of restaurants on Elmwood charge $13+ for dinner, and I think I speak for most when I say I just canit drop that kind of cash on a regular basis. Everything is geared toward a more fine dining experience. While I have nothing against fine dining, I think there needs to be more ijointsi like the Falafel Bar where people can spend no more than $8 on a dinner. Hereis a cool idea n I wish someone would open a restaurant like this:

http://www.newyorkmetro.com/listings/restaurant/grilled-cheese-nyc/

(theyive recently closed due to high rent and are looking for a new place to open in NYC)