11/13/2005

St. Stans...
I caught this letter in Saturday's BN and thought it was pretty interesting in light of what Buffalo's Common Council President and presumed Fillmore Avenue resident David Franczyk had to say about the renovations at St. Stans recently.

Changing historic architecture of St. Stan's is serious mistake

11/12/2005

I initially shared in Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz's goal of re-establishing St. Stanislaus as the primary focal point of Western New York's Polish-American community. Many of the projects he initiated have had a positive effect on preserving the parish complex and energizing a sense of pride among parishioners.

Unfortunately, my support of his efforts has changed following the drastic alterations taking place to the interior of the church. The removal of pews and the out-building of the altar destroy the architectural and historic integrity of one of Buffalo's most important cultural landmarks.

The alterations contradict the common attributes associated with the Polish community: heritage, tradition and history. I believe the parish has made a grievous mistake in changing the historic architecture of the building. My family's involvement and dedication to the parish can be traced back to 1887. For generations of ancestors before me, the altar has played host to countless sacraments. The changes have made the church unrecognizable.

With this letter, I formally protest Grosz's undertakings and ask that the Parish Council please reconsider the construction of the new, historically inappropriate altar.

Martin Biniasz, Buffalo

St. Stanislaus
Marty Biniasz is the genius behind Biniasz.com that I first linked to last January, over here. On Marty's site you'll read more about the fight to save St. Stans and make sure to check out his coverage of Broadway Fillmore's Polonia - tons of old photos. He also has a section called Lost Buffalo. Don't miss it.

Contrast Marty's position on St. Stans with presumed Fillmore Avenue resident David Franczyk's. This letter appeared in the BN on October 30th.

How can people knock bishop for improving historic church?

I am appalled by the petty, small-minded criticism leveled at Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz for having the vision to invest in beautifying St. Stanislaus Church, the Mother Parish of Polonia. Criticism is usually reserved for people who let their buildings deteriorate; are we now knocking someone for improving property?

Grosz's critics insult the hope of those who refuse to believe that the East Side is condemned to an earthly hell of abandonment and deterioration. Have they no faith?

The renovation of St. Stanislaus Church is a powerful inspiration to other property owners to fix up their homes and buildings on the East Side. It is also an important historic landmark of great importance to the entire Western New York community.

Every week, hundreds of people either attend church there or take part in the numerous religious, civic or cultural functions in the renovated Social Center.

I am deeply grateful to Grosz for helping improve the district I represent. The beautifully lit-up spires of St. Stan's are a nightly beacon pointing the way to a better future for a proud neighborhood.

David A. Franczyk

I had the opportunity earlier this summer to walk part of Franczyk's Forgotten Fillmore district. It's the epitome of the "detroitization" of Buffalo. He's been spending alot of time 40 miles to Buffalo's south in Perrysburg, NY recently. He's even won an award down there...as the Fillmore District entered another circle of Dante's hell.
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