From A Dump To A Draw
Back in March of this year I found myself over on Bailey Avenue covering the initial phase of a reclaimed community garden. Neighbors and urban activists had come together to rescue a street corner that had turned into the local dumping ground. For years the land had been covered with tires, garbage and even the shell of a burned out auto. It is interesting to think that the Bailey and Dartmouth intersection is really not that far from the University District. In the long run it was a collaborative drive that resulted in the resurrection of this small park... from a dump to a draw. Check out the bottom photo... that's the latest snapshot of the park. Then take a look back at the original post... I think that Urban Body said it best in this comment from that post:
"A remarkable coming together by so many. Congrats to all. It's a great thing to transform a dump into a garden--and hopefully it will be repeated around town. It's awesome to see so many caring for the city.
Not sure why, but Bailey Ave. just isn't on many people's radar for development and attention. I believe the housing stock is still generally good and much newer than most other areas. The scale and density seems appropriate for first-time owners and younger small families.
I'm aware that job opportunities would foster overall economic health in this community so I'm wondering why there isn't a push to revitalize and invigorate the Bailey commercial and residential corridor from U.B. to at least Kensington? Stemming decline seems a little after the fact for Bailey, but it's not too far gone to reclaim.
It would also be interesting to know how many people in the organizations above (see post) now live, did live, or were part of a family that started out in the Bailey area."
The Community Park is still looking for donations (per the sign). If you would like to contribute, please call 716.835.5258.
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
Science Firsthand - Partners in Discovery
At an after school program recently, some kids were doing homework, some were on computers and some were in the gym. But a small group of fourth-graders were designing and building boats out of household products- plastic cups, construction paper, and tape. They had been building and modifying their boats throughout the week, trying a few different design and construction plans. Now they were ready to race them across a tub of water, using a fan to power them across. After deal … - Today, 8:00am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
Griffis III Latest Sculpture - A Polarizing Piece
Larry Griffis III is a well-known Buffalo figure whose experience with steel is not only his passion, but his birthright. Some may know of his father’s sculpture park in South Buffalo, founded in the 60s, but his son has taken up the torch and is now a world-renowned sculpture. What started with the father has continued with the son. Griffis III’s work is starting to appear in spots in Buffalo and now, to see one of his works, you need look no further than Forest Lawn Chapel.
… - Today, 7:07am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
Christmas With Vocalis at Karpeles
Though they only began in 2002, the 18-person Vocalis Chamber Choir have already made a name for themselves. Vocalis’ first CD was praised by the Buffalo News, is played regularly on WNED-FM, and they perform regularly through WNY, Toronto, and Pittsburgh. Their 2008-2009 season, which only includes eight or nine performances in WNY, will begin at Karpeles Manuscript Museum with their holiday concert dubbed, “Christmas at the Karpeles.”
This Saturday, December 6th, at 8PM, … - Today, 7:07am
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
-
So Long Elmwood, Hello University District
Ever since the Falafel Bar opened on Allen Street, it was only a matter of time before the Elmwood location was no longer for this world. I spoke to owner, Oded Rauvenpoor, who told me that the decision to close came when he was at a crossroads. He found himself happy with his Allentown diggs, but began eying another part of the city for the Elmwood restaurant. In the end, Oded decided that he wanted to try his hand in the University District (3476 Main Street). I guess there was … - Yesterday, 8:41pm
- Continue Reading
- 7 Comments
Comment Options
WCPerspective
I'm a Genesee-Bailey boy. :)
Nice work on the park- someone could have a nice side yard if they bought/renovated the house next door.
Report this
joeycanoli
Ha!, I'd rather walk through Iraq than down Bailey Ave alone. Students are robbed nightly over there. It's a shame too because I've been told it was a big college hangout back in the 60s-70s.
Report this
cdubmoo
It's truly a wonderful thing to see people reclaim their communities. With more proactive steps such as this maybe people won't be afraid to walk down Bailey Ave. alone.
Report this
al-alo
for me, it seems like bailey would be a good starting off point for redeveloping the east (ish) side.
so close to the south campus. the housing stock is in generally decent shape when compared to other parts of the east side. not to mention they are mostly arts and crafts style bungalos, which the kids tell me are very popular now. the city's best vietnamese food at 99. its got a few good starting points.
more cops walking the street with active investment from UB and a strong business association could really help turn the hood back into neighborhood.
Report this
sbrof
I should get back over there. I was a part of the student team last year who redesigned the pathway system and actually laid the bricks. Those were fun days trying to keep rows aligned and pathways level. It was a very fruitful thing to participate in as people would always walk up and ask what you were doing or how your day was. It was a very comfortable place to work throughout the day.
I walked / biked there from South Campus several times a week for classes and to work, and never had any problems not only that but I came to appreciate Bailey much more than I used too. The pizza guy there is fun and entertaining and serves up a good pie. The smell from the one shop (cant remember it's name) always made my mouth water as I went by. The several Asian grocery stores on Bailey I never knew about, the fish market, the hardware store. I met the owners of many of these shops while there only for a couple months. It was plenty of fun. Then again i don't walk around oblivious with my ipod or cell phone either. Don't make yourself a target is a simple rule that more people should remember.
Is the brick work finished in the back yet? I hope so but maybe not until this semester's students have a go at it. Maybe this will be the year the archway get constructed! What about the Wurthburger Hof sign from the building kitty corner to the park? Has it fallen yet? I remember going there, the McDonald's and the candy shop from my grandfathers house around the corner as a kid. Lots of memories on this street when it was in better shape, and I am only 25.
Report this
Rebecca
I'd rather walk about Bailey Ave than Iraq.
Report this
rickyrick
The East Side is still a scary ghetto
Report this