Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 20th 2005, 8:15pm By queenseyes

The West Village is Buffalo's oldest, continually-resided in neighborhood. It is home to some of the most beautiful houses in the city. The people that own property there are professionals, artists, parents, and community activists. And the neighborhood can literally be observed (looking west) through the windows of City Hall.

The West Village can be seen as a litmus test as to how the rest of the neighborhoods surrounding City Hall are faring. At the moment, Johnson Park (Buffalo's first park) and the surrounding streets that make up this neighborhood (which happen to be on the National Register of Historic Places) is thriving. Homeowners and tenants alike have taken it upon themselves to rid the neighborhood of urban blight over the last few years. They have made the right phone calls. They have worked with the Buffalo Police. They have planted community gardens. They have stood as sentinels in their own neighborhood. They have even managed to attract a thriving community theater, aptly named The New Phoenix Theater.

Enter the West Side Market (WSM)Oe to the left of center stage. This market might as well be a wrecking ball for all of the progress that has been made in the West Village. For years the WSM has done everything it can to ruin the urban fabric that makes up the neighborhood. For years the owners have been repeatedly apprised of the problems that the market cultivates on its corner. The WSM has been afforded every opportunity to make right these wrongs, and for years has done nothing but continue on with its 'business as usual' mentality. And what is 'business as usual'? This corner market has kept police more than busy on a daily basis. Hundreds of 911 calls have been generated from this corner as a result of drug trafficking, instances of violence, and numerous other illegal acts.

Recently, community activists succeeded in temporarily shutting down the WSM. Now it looks like the city is going to renew the marketis operating license. Why? Because the owner wants another chance. I recently spoke with Marilyn Rodgers, a local community activist and Johnson Park homeowner about the WSM. In her own words:

iWe have all heard the expression idemolition by neglect.i It refers, of course to historic buildings. However, we feel the City of Buffalo is allowing demolition of certain neighborhoods through neglect and inattention or lack of effort by certain individuals who have taken an oath to perform their duties for the best for our city. I, and many others who I consider my comrades, will continue to fight the good fight. We only ask that our city government, leaders, and those iin the knowi will stand beside us and care as much as we do.i

The neighborhood has come too far. We canit let apathetic mindsets drag it back down into the dirt. After speaking with Marilyn I decided to take the video camera over to show people just what is happening over at the West Village, particularly its hub - Johnson Park. The first set of video clips is a guided tour showcasing a few of the beautiful houses that reside on Johnson Park. The second clip describes the problems affiliated with the West Side Market. If you feel the same way we do about this critical issue, please let City Hall know. Here is an email list to voice your concerns:

Mary Zizzo - Supervisor of Permits - mzizzo@city-buffalo.com Ray McGurn - Commissioner of Inspections and Permits - rmcgurn@city-buffalo.com Mayor Masiello - amasielllo@city-buffalo.com Councilmember Brian Davis - brdavis@city-buffalo.com Peter Savage III - peter.savage@city-buffalo.com Councilmember Nick Bonifacio - dbonifacio@city-buffalo.com Mike Risman - mrisman@city-buffalo.com Councilmember Rich Fontana - rfontana@city-buffalo.com Councilmember Bonnie Russell - brussell@city-buffalo.com

If anyone does send an e-mail, please copy the West Village Renaissance Group at westvillageren@msn.com.

Video:

The Tour Part 1 of 2 :: 20.61 MB Part 2 of 2 :: 23.10 MB

The Problem Part 1 of 1 :: 11.73 MB