Podcast: Grasser's Rooted Partnership

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If I had a nickel for every time someone told me to call George Grasser when an urban planning question arose... I'd give all the money to the Steel Winds project. The reason that everyone refers me (and others) to George is that he is one of those guys who has an answer for everything. Of course many of those answers are his own opinions, but unlike most, his opinions are most often backed by some of the leading authorities in urban planning (smart growth), environmental issues, and transportation reform. Many of these experts are brought to Buffalo by George's organization, called Partners for a Livable Western New York, of which George is president and founder.
In this podcast, George talks about the roots of his organization, and the effects that it has on our city. He briefly details the group's seminar series, efforts to downgrade Route 5, progress on implementing 'smart growth' and 'smart codes', thoughts on the parking issue, and whether or not he plans on running for local politics. Partners for a Livable Western New York is always on the lookout for new members and supporters. If you're interested in learning more about PFALWNY, then send an email and get added to the email blasts, or show up on Wednesday, October 24th from 9am to 4pm at the Albright-Knox for a hearing on "Successful strategies to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of local government entities in NYS."

As we mentioned in our previous post, we’re in the process of changing the Buffalo Rising site. We’re almost there as we expect to launch the new site on Friday, December 19th.
In the meantime, posting will be light as we log new stories in the new publishing system which will only be viewable when we launch on Friday.
As always, we appreciate our users’ patience as we make this transition but we promise it will be well worth it. With faster load times, a comment view …
Caroline Kennedy was in town for a visit with our mayor yesterday. A possible choice to succeed US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kennedy's name has been mentioned along with that of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (son of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo) and our own Byron Brown, among others.
Certainly, Kennedy has "been around politics" all of her life, which is to say she was born into a family of politicos and lived in the White House--neither of which would necessarily f …
Free light rail rides on downtown's above ground section could be derailed thanks to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's budget mess. That is the news coming out of a Buffalo Place meeting this morning. Facing a budget shortfall and reduced State operating assistance, the NFTA is scrambling for new revenue sources and is contemplating charging for rides along the lengthy downtown pedestrian mall.
Well it is Christmas time in the city and the NFTA helped put people and especially children into the mood in a very festive and fun way. One of my favorite memories of childhood was taking the train downtown with my grandfather. I would gaze out the windows and watch the tunnel speed by. It always felt like we were going a million miles an hour.
Then there was the ability to stand up and walk around during the ride without the need to be strapped down. It was always a fun time … 




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RaChaCha
Always a delight to see an article mentioning George and PFALWNY. George brought his wisdom to our lovely Genesee Valley this year, to a conference on smart growth (among other things) organized by the Association for Preservation of Geneseo. He's a top-notch guy, and he and his organization are great resources for WNY - and indeed, all of us!
BTW, I can't agree strongly enough with George and PFALWNY on the Route 5 reconfiguration. The boulevard option is very well thought out, in keeping with the best current rethinking of highways nationwide, and an incredible opportunity to have a truly transformational impact. It's well worthy of the support of the all the community and its leadership. Don't let this opportunity slip by.
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