Bailey Avenue will soon reap the benefits of a $2,000 grant from the Arts Service Initiative of Western New York. The funds will be administered to the University District Community Development Association (UDCDA), which in turn will be utilized to enhance the Bailey Fights Blight directive. The funds will go a long way towards providing aesthetic improvements on Bailey. Vacant and underutilized properties continue to be a major drawback for the street, according to the Bailey Avenue Business Association (BABA). By making the blighted areas along Bailey more attractive, the hope is to draw in further commercial investments.
“The increasing amount of public, private, and grassroots collaboration in University District over the past few years is a testament to the level of commitment residents and businesses have to this community. They’ve rolled up their sleeves and are tackling neighborhood challenges head on. It’s an exciting time for our corner of the city!” remarked Roseann Scibilia, Executive Director of the University District Community Development Association.
Right off the bat, UDCDA and BABA have identified a talented muralist who will tackle a series of initial public art projects. Nick Miller, a transplant to Buffalo, has ties with Philadelphia’s uber successful mural arts program. Nick is calling upon the community to help produce the works of art. He will be hosting a series of workshops that will spark the directions of the murals. Interested parties can learn more about the art project at www.udcda.org/baileyfightsblight. Nick was the artist who painted the Fighting Peacock on the city’s west Side in 2015.
“The efforts of the UDCDA in working collaboratively with BABA on commercial district planning activities, including integrating public art along the corridor, has set the stage for business district revitalization that builds on Bailey-Kensington’s rich history and culture.” said Michael Clarke, Local Initiative’s Support Corp (LISC).
In order to create a stronger Bailey Avenue, a network of groups and organizations are coming together to add solidarity to the Bailey Fights Blight initiative. Supporters and activists include Bailey Avenue Business Association, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, Junior League of Buffalo, LISC Buffalo, University at Buffalo, University District Block Club Coalition, University District Community Development Association, University District Council Office, University Heights Collaborative, and Villa Maria College.