fixBuffalo

6/07/2006

Woodlawn Row Houses - June 2006

The Buffalo Police looked through the poorly boarded Woodlawn Row Houses last week searching for a rapist. My neighbors are growing increasingly impatient with the lack of responsible ownership the City of Buffalo is exhibiting with the Woodlawn Row Houses. After calling the police on another occasion regarding two men entering this "Local-Landmark" and leaving with "pipes" - the rest of the copper plumbing - and not wanting to confront the men during broad daylight, neighbors are becoming increasingly interested in having the Woodlawn Row Houses demolished. A text book example of "demolition by neglect."

Here the lastest pics...

click to enlarge

Here's the archive. Remember this has been going on since March 2004...No progress!

A mile from Elmwood...a world away!

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Artspace Archive • Annals of Neglect • BAVPA • Where is Perrysburg? • Broken Promises...
Writing the City • Woodlawn Row Houses • Tour dé Neglect - 2006 • faq

Blogging Hiatus

Blogging will be sporadic during the summer months. Beyond regular Woodlawn Row House, Artspace and now BAVPA updates you'll have to wait to September....Why?

I'm writing a book about local Buffalo history. It's a curriculum guide for secondary Social Studies teachers and focuses on a series of themes, topics and lesson plans for the teaching of Buffalo History. New York State provides a whole list of 12th grade Social Studies electives and usually "Participation in Government" and "Economics" are taught here locally to satisfy this requirement. This choice is made by default as 20 week long course materials are completely absent from the radar screen for the teaching of local history at the secondary level.

My first draft includes a strong field component to get students into local libraries and the neighborhoods. Other topics include - geography and natural history, first nation-peoples and certain aspects of the "Burned Over District" that I've only recently discovered and will include in a chapter about larger regional issues. Along with a narrative component, most of the topics will integrate "local issues" within broader patterns of global economic development. So, instead of viewing the Erie Canal and Pan Am Exposition as isolated and Buffalo based events they will be seen within the context of larger economic issues. For example the repeal of the English Corn Laws and the sudden rise in England of the importing of cheap American grain give rise to the burst of activity across New York State. Here the Erie Canal connects mid-west grain with East coast ports. The Pan Am will be viewed with in a larger context, too. Here the rise of an imperial presidency, American Exceptionalism and global supremecy provide the larger stage against which Pan Am topics including the anti-imperialist and anarchist response to these events are examined.

The goal, a book and interactive website, including a blog for the exchange of ideas and materials. If you know of print or web-based resources available that you have used successfully in the classroom for teaching local - Buffalo - history, let me know.

Thanks in advance...for your patience. Back in full-stride in September! And for news and views you won't read about in the Buffalo News or see on TV, check out NorthCoast On-line and Broadway Fillmore Alive.

Forgotten City [?]

New post over at Buffalo Rising has created a stir about race and various issues relating to the decline of Buffalo. This post, while publicizing the premeire of Forgotten Buffalo next Tuesday at the Market Arcade has generated the hottest convervation about race in recent Buffalo blogosphere memory.

In the comments section "Brotha, keepin it real" is responding to a frequent BRO commenter, who uses "L" as a name...Brotha responds to a series of rather open questions "L" is asking of the film. Here's "Brotha's" response...

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L,
You do know that lots of educated, enterprising black folks from Buffalo have left and continue to leave because of the lack of opportunity...and because of the attitudes of white folks like you? [emphasis - me and question mark in original]
Repay Buffalo for the Underground Railroad? Are you fucking kiddingme? Why don't you just count your blessings that a majority of blackfolks aren't demanding reparations for the institution of slavery inthe first place and pour yourself a nice tall glass of Shut The Fuck Up.
Blacks in civil service jobs, huh? I'll bet all the money in mypockets against all the money in your pockets, that even with a black mayor, there are more employees in City Hall who got their jobs through affiliations with South Buffalo's Goin' South than there are who got their jobs through the East Side's Grass Roots.
And if black folks are supposed to thank the kind white folks of Buffalo for helping some escape slavery like obsequious SteppinFetchits, whose asses do they kick for the rampant, systemic racism that kept black folks out of labor unions--the cornerstone of the community's middle class?
You are a fool.

If BRO pulls the comments...Brotha and L feel free to let it loose here. No advertisers to offend.

Another long hot summer in the 'hood. Meanwhile check out Booker Rising! for additional discussion about reparations, race and urban decline.

Performing Arts High School

Ground is going to break soon on the new home for Performing Arts High School. It's part of the largest construction project in the history of the Queen City and comes in at $1,000,000,000...Hardly anything in the local blogosphere about it. I started investigating abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant houses around some of the Phase One schools last year. I called it the School House Project. Not much has changed. Here in this little corner of Masten we have our dirty dozen - commercial buildings along Ferry Street and houses - that are crumbling and falling down within a block or two of this 30 million Phase Two project....I've written some very positive posts about the decision to re-locate BAVPA to Ferry Street...read more...

I met a few key players from BAVPA last year, Drew Kelley President of the Parents Association and Chris Byrd who coordinates BAVPA alumi activities...and received this letter from Chris the other day. Please consider stopping by to see what's happening one block from Main Street.

The trees in the third drawing represent plantings along Ferry Street.

click to enlarge

Here's the invite for next week....

Come See BAVPA'S Future New Home

Before the demo & rebuilding begins
Tuesday -- June 13th, 2006 -- 6:00 to 7:30pm
At the Former Traditional School - - 450 Masten Avenue
Yes, it really is happening! BAVPA is scheduled to move into its new home in less than 2 years after a $28 million rehab that includes new construction. Construction is scheduled to begin within 45-60 days. Learn how the former Traditional School will be transformed into a state of the art school for the arts. You can see what is there now and see what it will look like soon. You will be amazed! You'll laugh, you'll cry, it will move you…a new school for our kids!

The former Traditional School is bordered by Ferry, Masten, Woodlawn and Michigan/1 block east of Main Street.

Enter the school parking lot off Michigan and walk through thecourtyard to the cafeteria for a reception. Meet and greet fellow parents, students, teachers, alumni and community members. If you know of someone in the community who might be interested in knowing what' happening please invite them along. Artists, professors, musicians, business contacts; everyone in Buffalo knows someone.
Reception with refreshments served from 6:00-6:30pm in the cafeteria
Presentation starting at 6:30pm
Brief tours following presentation
These are exciting times for our school and the future is bright and full of opportunities. We will also be showing an idea for future fundraising (engraved bricks) and are looking for a few folks to help us organize it and get it underway. Join us for a night of communication, information and participation.

Regards,
Chrisopher Byrd
BAVPA Alumni Association President

We've assembled a team to watch over the project and make sure the 30 million integrates the surrounding community especially along the Ferry Street corridor from Main to Jefferson. Other projects of course include stomping out the abandonment and vacancy within a block or two of the new school. Like the Woodlawn Row Houses that sit 100 feet from the schools main entrance...

If you would like to receive e-mail updates about the BAVPA project, let me know. I'll be setting up a special page to monitor Ciminelli's progress and I'll be posting pictures on a regular monthly basis over the next 18-24 months.

5/31/2006

East Side Beauty - Archive

I'll be keeping track of some of the beautiful homes and places here on the City's East side. While most of these places are in Artspace's backyard, I'll be including numerous locations through out the East side that capture the beauty that is frequently overlooked. No vinyl here. But if that's what you like you can find it in - My Vinyl Collection. Instead, I'll be focusing on homes that resonate with craftsmanship and charm.

September 18, 2006

5/30/2006

My Vinyl Collection

Welcome to the best collection of "Vinyl Victorians" in Buffalo, NY. If you're an urban hipster looking for a few laughs, or an architect looking to spot your colleagues mistakes, look no further. Or, if you live in the 'burbs and don't know better, get a life. If you're the builder or developer of these mistakes, simple - "Stop building crap!"

Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word.
Benjamin: Yes, sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin: Yes, I am.
Mr. Mcguire: Plastics.

I'll be adding to my vinyl collection and critique of "Vinyl Victorians" on a weekly basis. I hope to have an expanded critique of these homes and the culture that creates them, soon. Yes, that means a Wikipedia entry for "Vinyl Victorians." If the houses are vacant and owned by some agency, I'll provide the address and name of the builder. If these homes are privately owned, I'll show some restraint and post the picture along with a very general location, no specifics.

This will be a weekly event. Comments already are hot. If you have some favorites, send them in.

There is an antidote to this vinyl madness, see Small Red House.

September 23, 2006
September 26, 2006
October 1, 2006
October 14, 2006 - Problems in Vinyl Land
October 22, 2006 - Sweet (Street) Vinyl
October 30, 2006 - from "Vinyl Alley" - two time loser
April 2, 2007 - "Hummerville"
January 12, 2009 - Is Vinyl Final?

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fixBuffalo photos • the atlantic cities • shrinking cities • americansuburbX • copenhagenize
buffalo reuse • spacing toronto • infrastructurist

5/26/2006

WWJD?

Today's Buffalo News - see story - brings more bad news for the City of Buffalo. I've been following the story over the past year in the Annals of Neglect.

Pictured below is the Bishop's residence at 79 Oakland Place and the former Transfiguration Church, that's literally falling down. It's owned by a local attorney, William Trezavant and his mother Pauline Nowak. It has become the symbol for neighborhood activists and preservationists as they seek attention and awareness regarding the pending closing of additional diocesan builings mentioned in today's Buffalo News.

click to enlarge

Seems clear to me. If Bishop Kmiec was seriously interested in Buffalo and the long term viability of the Buffalo Diocese, he would vacate his Oakland Place residence (highest assessed single family home in Buffalo - $960,000) and immediately move into an abandoned rectory on the City's East side. The power of example. Simple.

Meanwhile as the Diocese continues to turn it's back on the City of Buffalo and the magnificant architectural legacy...it offers newly constructed McChurches to non-European members of the Diocese.

Note...if you are interested in seeing first hand wake of destruction left behind on the City's East side last time in the mid 90's when the Buffalo Diocese shut down operations...check out my Tour de Neglect...we'll be visiting three decaying Catholic complexes this summer!

5/24/2006

LISC Archive

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I'll archive LISC eNewsletter here as I receive them.

News from LISC...

Michael Clarke from LISC sent me this today...lots of news about what's happening around town. East Side, too!

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		An eNewsletter from Local Initiatives Support Corporation	*May 2006*

Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of the Buffalo Local Initiative Support Corporation's (LISC) eNewsletter.

Recognizing that so many people are receiving their news and information online made this format and distribution method an easydecision. We hope you agree and that you will forward this on to colleagues and others who may be interested in what we do and the many community-based projects that we support.

An expanded version of articles with photos may be found on our website at www.lisc.org/buffalo. Bookmark it for easy access! We value your comments and suggestions, so feel free to pass them along via our website.

There have been many activities and community leaders we have been privileged to support in 2005, and in this initial newsletter, we will hit on some of the highlights.

Best wishes for a happy and productive spring.
Michael K. Clarke, Program Director

Photo: Asbury Church

Adaptive Reuse on a Grand Scale: The Asbury Delaware Church

The restoration of the historic Asbury Delaware Church byRighteous Babe Records and its principals, recording artist Ani DiFranco and Scot Fisher, was headline news. LISC, HSBC Bank, and other partners worked together providing a complex financial package to help ensure that this endeavor would become a reality. This project turned a house of worship into a house of music and artistic expression to been joyed for years to come, with the main hall of the church providing aconcert venue unique to Buffalo. The restored church is also to Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, bringing the center back downtown,and enhancing Buffalo's strong visual and performing arts community.The organization has already seen an increase in attendance and membership in its new, accessible and highly visible location.

Though LISC provided New Market Tax Creditsfor the Asbury Delaware Church restoration, the project could not have happened without an investor to pay for the credits. HSBC Bank USA was that crucial backer, providing the equity investment for the New Market and Historic tax credits of $4.55 million. HSBC also provided $2.9million in loans to the project. The bank's total investment of $7.45million is ultimately what brought the project across the finish line.HSBC Bank USA's dedication and support made them our Community Development Investor of 2005 and we are deeply grateful for theirefforts. Read more >>>

Partnerships at Work: Belmont Shelter Corporation & Bethel Community Development Corporation

The Bethel Community Development Corporation (CDC) and theBelmont Shelter Corporation broke ground on 30 single family homes nearMichigan Avenue, Dodge and Southampton Streets. The properties are being built on approximately 60 vacant lots under a tax creditrent-to-own program. Modeled on successful efforts in Cleveland, theprogram brings long-term stability to neighborhoods under going revitalization efforts and provides home ownership opportunities for families of limited means.

BuffaloLISC is happy to have played a role in providing project and staff funding. Our subsidiary, National Equity Fund, provided the tax credit equity investment of $4.2 million. Read more >>>

The National Vacant Properties Campaign Comes to Buffalo

A team of experts from the National Vacant Properties Campaign(NVPC) focused their sights on Buffalo in the fall to begin theirassessment of the area's initiatives to redevelop unoccupied and abandoned properties. The Buffalo region is one of seven urban area sacross the United States to be selected for this project based on local efforts to reclaim and restore neighborhoods. Working with the AmherstIndustrial Development Agency and the University at Buffalo Institute of Local Governance and Regional Growth, LISC was instrumental in making sure Buffalo was on their radar.

Their final report is expected shortly for this unique effort that brings together Buffalo inner-ring suburbs to address a common problem. Armed with the recommendations of experts in the field and "bestpractices" from other communities, we look forward to collectively tackling our vacancy and abandonment problems head-on. Read more >>>

The NFL Comes to All-High Stadium

The revitalization of All-High Stadium is being aided by a$200,000 grant through LISC's partnership with the Buffalo Bills, theNational Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association through the NFL Youth Football Fund. The renovation will include grandstand reconstruction; new field lighting; improved mechanical, electrical andplumbing systems; and a new all-weather eight-lane running track. The grant will pay for a new synthetic football field, similar to those used for NFL playing surfaces.

The LISC/NFL partnership has provided nearly $10 million for projects like this. All-High is the fourth recipient of an award for the program. Read more >>>

Photo: Judge Henry J. Nowak

Public Servant of the Year:City Housing Court Judge Henry J. Nowak

Over the past three years Judge Henry Nowak has energized and connected the functions of City Housing Court with neighborhood preservation in a new and very meaningful way. Through the court --supported by two aids with resources coming through LISC from the JohnR. Oishei Foundation -- the judge has created a system of outreach and education that has been effective in identifying and adjudicating long-standing problem cases. Thanks to Judge Nowak's determination to improve Buffalo neighborhoods, properties of negligent and destructive property owners have been brought into compliance with local codes, a new system of community-based receiverships for improved management of derelict properties is in place, and citizen participation in the ongoing work of the court and the city inspections process has been encouraged. Leadership for neighborhood change and improvement is always welcome and Judge Henry Nowak has provided dedication, innovation, and inspiration to the work of the Housing Court for the betterment of Buffalo and its neighborhoods. Read more >>>

Photo: Presenting an award to Sen. Hillary Clinton duringLISC's 25th Anniversary session in Washington D.C. Bill Donohue,Jeremiah CDC; Don Ingalls, HealthNow; Joe Eicheldinger, Citibank; Sen.Clinton; Mike Clarke, LISC; Cathy Braniecki; Key Bank; Brad Dossinger,M&T Bank

LISC Marked Its 25th Anniversary in 2005

In 2005 LISC celebrated its 25th year assisting community-baseddevelopment organizations transform distressed community into healthy ones. Our Leadership Conference and 25th Anniversary Gala took place in Washington, D.C. in September 2005.

The meetings and visits with members of theHouse of Representatives and the Senate provided unique opportunitiesto share the work of our community development partners with keyfederal elected officials.

Buffalo LISC representatives presented an award to Senator Hillary Clinton for her support of our work.

Donor Spotlight: The John R. Oishei Foundation

The John R. Oishei Foundation'smission is to enhance the quality of life for Buffalo area residents by supporting education, healthcare, scientific research and the cultural, social, civic and charitable needs of the community. The Foundation wasestablished in 1940 by John R. Oishei, founder of Trico ProductsCorporation, one of the world's leading manufacturers of windshieldwiper systems. Oishei's appreciation of Buffalo was the basis of hisstrong desire that the work of the Foundation be directed to theBuffalo community.

The Foundation has been an important partner for LISC's community development work. And in 2005, the Foundation's support helped LISCbecome one of only seven sites around the country to be selected for an assessment from the National Vacant Properties Campaign. They also assisted the redevelopment efforts of a faith-based collaborative on Buffalo's near East Side, and provided vital financial support for theunique and valuable work being done by Housing Court Judge Henry Nowakand a very involved group of Buffalo neighborhood advocates.

We thank the John R. Oishei Foundation for its support of ourefforts and for their consistent investments in the betterment ofWestern New York. Read more >>>

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Burned in Buffalo

I know. Caveat emptor.

Despite warnings and all sorts of red flags dealing with "due dilegence," Michele Johnson and Co. have unearthed the "American Nightmare." Here's the film's trailer...

Come and see it. Yeah, I know you thought you knew all there was to know about Buffalo, NY. Remember what Upton Sinclair did to the meat packing industry in The Jungle? This all is happening on David Franczyk's watch, our very own Common Council President and (presumptive) Broadway Fillmore resident. Shame... Systematic disinvestment. If the abandoned, boarded, derelict and vacant house isn't being 'flipped on Ebay' it's probably not really boarded and may even be owned by the City!

Here's the current listing of Buffalo, NY on Ebay and two additional Ebay listings you may be interested in, if you are from Buffalo, NY!

Don't forget 28 Eaton Street here in Buffalo, NY...it's being sold right now on Ebay by La Jolla Jewelry in West Hollywood California...!!

Read the comments in the local blogosphere. Here and here via BuffaloPundit and over at BuffaloRising, right here.

Please note...

Michele Johnson will be on Koons Avenue Sunday June 4th...and will lead the discussion about the impactthe Wollenberg Grain Elevator has on the surrounding neighborhood,during the fourth stop on the Tour de Neglect Bicycle Tour...

She led the fight against a 'flipped' house at 242 Koons that was finally demolished last February. The owner's Hamilton and Lydia Woods still have not paid one penny of the $9000.00 demolitionbill that City incurred! What makes matters worse is that the City of Buffalo hasn't even filed a judgement against this couple from RedwoodCity, CA...(btw...they are community activists in Redwood City!...)