Recognize this house?
Sure you do. Do you want to know why?
Walgreensi proposal for one or more stores in Buffalo has stirred a hornetis nest. This isnit the first time residents have organized to fight a big-box expansion. In 1998, Ellicott Development proposed to expand an existing Rite Aid at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bryant Street. Despite several attempts and redesigns, he was soundly defeated primarily because the plan infringed on the uniqueness, ambience and character of the Elmwood Village and residents were unified in opposition.
Public outcry was swift and furious when plans were announced to expand the existing Rite Aid from just under 9,000 square feet to 11,300 square feet and expanding the parking lot by demolishing two circa-1900 buildings at 410 and 414 Elmwood Avenue. Fortunately, the project could not proceed without City Council approval. Rite Aid needed a variance to exceed the 2,500 square foot floor size area limit along Elmwood Avenue.
Here's another example of a house you might recognize...
Once the plans surfaced, a three month moratorium on demolitions along Elmwood was enacted to buy time. A public meeting was organized where over 200 people showed up to voice their opposition to the project. Criticism from neighbors was aimed at the store design, site layout, the planned parking expansion, the need to demolish adjacent properties, and the proximity to a recently built Rite Aid at Elmwood and Virginia (since closed). Lack of property maintenance at the existing facility was also an issue including litter, unplowed sidewalks, rats, and minimal landscaping. The argument was an already uncooperative neighbor shouldn't be allowed to expand. Forever Elmwood and the Erie County Preservation Coalition joined residents in opposition. Niagara District Council Member Robert Quintana recommended denial of the project and was on record that he wouldn't support any plan that involved knocking down houses. Mayor Masiello also weighed in against the proposal.
In late September, the Common Council voted against the plan 13-0. Carl Paladino, the developer, subsequently prepared several alternate plans that still did not placate the publicis concerns. He changed the architecture of the store and even placed the building at the sidewalk instead of behind a sea of parking, but still demanded a parking lot expansion that would have required demolitions. He even floated a proposal to demolish 410 Elmwood and moving 414 to its lot or keeping 410 and putting 414 in the backyard. Other variations included demolitions along Bryant. Despite the changes, the plans still required demolitions and didn't respect and complement the community. The project was turned-down.
At the time, Paladino said that the drugstore needed to expand in order to compete with the then recently opened Walgreens at the corner of Delaware Avenue and North Street. He also was quoted as saying the existing store "faces extinction in five years if nothing is done." The less than attractive store is still operating while 410 and 414 Elmwood are fully occupied and home to apartments and businesses including Holcberg Realty.
Across the country, citizens are beginning to fight back. Theyire packing city council and planning board meetings, demanding that chains be denied zoning and building permits. Rather than being left to the mercy of developers, a growing number of communities are taking a proactive approach. They are adopting land use rules that limit the growth of big-box chains and protect the community's unique character. It remains to be seen if Walgreensi recent proposals will spur similar changes locally.
So here ya go folks, here's what you almost got...
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
Buffalo's First Museum District
BRO viewer submission by Mark Weber, www.myspace.com/markwebermusic.
This past week, I sang at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Elmwood and Lafayette, as part of the Elmwood Village Association's holiday tree lighting ceremony. It was the first time I ever sang my very personal song, “Who Wants To Cry At Christmas,” in front of the public. There were about 80 people gathered to hear me and my piano-playing friend Johnny Juarez present our “Chri … - Today, 3:05pm
- Continue Reading
- 3 Comments
-
Outsourcing Journalism for Less than a Penny a Word: Is T …
As the global financial crisis throws economies around the world into recession, more and more industries are getting hit. Banks have been bailed out. Auto manufacturers are drowning. Newspapers, though, were ahead of their time as they've been dying slowly for more than a decade.
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and owner of our hometown Buffalo News, acknowledged the fate of newspapers in his 2006 shareholder letter when he wrote:
Nevertheless, this operation faces … - Today, 2:10pm
- Continue Reading
- 2 Comments
-
Got a Good Photo? Win $100 Gift Certificate
As you look outside your office window today, you're likely overtaken by the sheer beauty. Blowing snow. People hunched over, freezing, trying to walk into a 30MPH wind. You're probably reading from the script of American Beauty:
Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it... and my heart is going to cave in.
Or, maybe you're just thinking "Oh f#@!, I have to drive home in this s*$#."
Either way, we're here to lift your spirits.
If you'd li … - Today, 12:35pm
- Continue Reading
- 1 Comments
-
Delaware Avenue Make-Over Approved
A two-story Delaware Avenue office building is getting a new face and a third story. The Buffalo Planning Board approved renovation plans for 334 Delaware Avenue at this morning's meeting. Owner 120 W. Tupper Street Inc. is undertaking the $1.2 million project. The bland building will get a new look and a glass third-floor addition.- Today, 11:08am
- Continue Reading
- 10 Comments
Comment Options
STEEL
Great example Westcoast. This proves false the often heard mantra that development equals progress and preservation equals obstructionist. There are many more examples like this in the city where the citizens had to rise up to protect Buffalo's precious and finite urban fabric. Tragically there are far far more examples were no one was their to prevent the wonton destruction that thoughtless development brings.
If "obstructionist" equals keeping existing businesses and residences and high quality architecture then sign me up as long as it means preventing trash like this from being built in place of buildings like the ones depicted here.
Report this
vieve
I sure do recognize this house. I live here....and have lived here for almost six years. When I moved to Buffalo both of these properties were owned by a great couple who retired and wanted to downsize. I remember them explaining the Rite Aid situation then and can't imagine these properties being razed for parking or to increase the size of the ugly box next door. Even though I am looking to buy my own house, I can't imagine not having spent the last six years here. Its a perfect little haven with an incredible history. The properties were restored by our FORMER landlords who took great attention to the historical character of this house. As a matter of fact, I know someone who spent two summers doing custom restoration on many parts of the house, inside and out. I have seen many people come and go and several changes in ownership but I am certainly glad that the people of this community stood up for such a gem!
As far as the Walgreen issue goes, no need to repeat, I agree with the former post. Imagine that the corner of North and Delaware had never become the monstrosity that it is, especially considering that the Butler Mansion and the other surrounding buildings have to look at it everyday. We can't let this happen again.
Report this
bman
I used to live across from the Delaware North Walgreens and recall when it was a HoJo's. The original plan for the Walgreens was completely different like a Sheridan Drive clone. It took a great deal of effort to get Walgreens to build what it did and they think that they did a good job "hiding" the parking behind the brick wall. It did improve the site but left much to be desired. There is good momentum underway to oppose the proposal for Delaware and Delevan. We need to send a loud message to national chains that we are not a city desperate for any kind of development anymore; as if this city, dripping in excellent architecture, ever was. We are getting picky and can become a lot more so. We need to revamp the zoning laws and architectural specifications for new structures built. Thanks for the post westcoast.
Report this
Kath
Thank God for Forever Elmwood and the ECPC. I have not entirely agreed with you on all project issues you've taken up, but in this case, I couldn't agree with you more. It's frightening to think just one more house along Elmwood would have been forever gone as so many others that would today, have lended an even more flavorful blend to the community of tomorrow. Thank you to all of you who put your time, your knowledge, your sincere efforts into keeping this wonderful feeling neighborhood...well, just feeling wonderful! I've lived here off and on and my great aunt used to own the house on the corner of Auburn and Elmwood in the 30's and 40's. My heart for years sank each time I passed by it. Funny, but the way it now looks, is just the way I had envisioned it if I had had the money to buy it and renovate it. All I can think is how she must be looking in from the Other Side, smiling, nodding, and wishing the blessings from above on those who had anything to do with saving her home. It's a thing of beauty and surely a joy Forever Elmwood, for our community and me especially. Keep up the good fight. You ARE appreciated!
Report this