Author: Buffalo Rising

Sometimes the authors at Buffalo Rising work on collaborative efforts in order to cover various events and stories. These posts can not be attributed to one single author, as it is a combined effort. Often times a formation of a post gets started by one writer and passed along to one or more writers before completion. At times there are author attributions at the end of one of these posts. Other times, “Buffalo Rising” is simply offered up as the creator of the article. In either case, the writing is original to Buffalo Rising.

The fifth annual Anti-Displacement Summit, hosted by Our City Buffalo and various community partners, recently concluded in Buffalo, New York. This event, a cornerstone for local activism and policy dialogue, drew attention to the urgent issues faced by the city’s vulnerable populations, especially in the wake of the devastating December 2022 North American winter storm. The summit, attended by over 100 Buffalonians, included 11 workshops focusing on critical city issues, notably the ongoing displacement of the Haudenosaunee. A significant highlight was the panel discussion led by Andrea Ó Súilleabháin, Executive Director of the Partnership for the Public Good. The panel…

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In the heart of Western New York, a new beacon of entrepreneurial hope is rising, thanks to St. Bonaventure University’s latest venture. The creation of the $10 million St. Bona Venture Fund, pioneered by alumnus Chuck O’Neill, is not just a promising development for St. Bonaventure’s School of Business but a potential catalyst for regional economic revitalization. Targeting startups and small businesses, particularly in sectors like healthcare, IT, and transportation, the St. Bona Venture Fund is poised to inject vital seed money into the Western New York and Rochester Finger Lakes regions. With investments ranging from $25,000 to $200,000, the…

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As loyal followers of Buffalo Rising, you’ve witnessed firsthand the vibrancy and resilience of our community. Unfortunately, as we approach 2024, the trend of local newspapers shutting down has accelerated, with an average of 2.5 closures per week. This trend contributed to more than 200 counties becoming “news deserts,” where access to reliable local news is severely limited. While we are continually committed to keeping our content free and accessible to all, we find ourselves in a position, for the first time in our history, to turn to you, our readers for help. Your support is vital in helping us…

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In Buffalo, New York, a city marked by striking contrasts in health and prosperity, a new initiative aims to confront these disparities head-on. The project, centered on Buffalo’s predominantly Black East Side, seeks to address the root causes of health inequities through innovative neighborhood planning and development. This article explores the origins, supporters, goals, and measures of success for this ambitious undertaking, which could set a precedent for cities across the nation grappling with similar challenges. The pilot initiative, catalyzed by the “Harder We Run” report, is a collaboration among community groups, the University at Buffalo, and local activists. It…

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The Burchfield Penney Art Center proudly presents its most significant biennial exhibition to date, Art in Craft Media 2023. This year’s show, enriched by the legacy of Sylvia L. Rosen and the vision of juror Peter B. Jones, marks a new chapter in the exhibition’s history. With an array of exceptional artists and a broad spectrum of craft media, the event celebrates the evolving definition of craft and the artists who redefine it. This year’s biennial holds special significance following the passing of Sylvia L. Rosen, whose vision has been the guiding force since 1988. Her understanding of the challenges…

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Amherst, NY, is poised for a transformative change with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $31 million investment in the Boulevard Mall redevelopment project. This significant funding marks a new era for the now-dormant commercial space, promising to turn it into a vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented town center. The project, beyond revitalizing the mall, aims to improve the overall quality of life for Western New Yorkers. Governor Hochul expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “Today marks a new day for the Boulevard Mall as we take the next step in transforming it into a vibrant, transit-oriented town center.” The redevelopment…

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Ellicott Development is proposing to demolish a carriage house at the rear of 187 Bryant Street as part of its Elmwood Crossings project.  The circa-1892 structure would be replaced by a playground, pergola and landscape area, part of a greenspace that would connect Bryant Street with Hodge Avenue east of the Alfiero Building. From the Preservation Board agenda: The above-referenced project site is located on the north side of Bryant Street between Elmwood Avenue and Delaware Avenue. The site is currently comprised of a single-family home and a garage in the rear. The site is part of the redevelopment of…

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People Inc. is wrapping up work at the former Children’s Hospital maternity building.  The senior apartment project at 140 Hodge Avenue is part of the larger Ellicott Development and Sinatra & Company Real Estate Elmwood Crossing development. Forty-four affordable apartments will be available for seniors 55 and older with incomes below 60 percent of the area median.  The complex includes 40 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments. The $14 million project was designed by Silvestri Architects. CSS Construction is overseeing the work.

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In January, Evergreen Health and CAS announced the purchase of land at the intersection of Kensington and Bailey Avenue to serve as the future home of a new healthcare facility. Today they are showing off the preliminary design for the new building which will replace an existing facility at 3297 Bailey Avenue. This initial rendering created by CPL, the Buffalo-based architecture and engineering firm selected for the project, was shaped by feedback from the community at various neighborhood events and block club and community meetings, in addition to input from community stakeholders and advisors, and Evergreen and CAS employees. The…

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A house at 325 Connecticut would be demolished but the street would gain an outdoor patio along with a commercial space and an apartment in the house’s garage under plans prepared by Tommaso Briatico Architects. The owner of neighboring 319 Connecticut Street, CityLight Realty, is making impressive progress on renovating the historic building that sits at the corner of Plymouth Avenue.  The three-story building was home to Hoeffler Ice Cream Company (1890s), Marine Bank (1920s), and more recently the live/work space of Jack Drummer, a local artist with work in the Albright Knox. The building had fallen into a state of…

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