An announcement from outgoing VN board president, Barbara Rowe
Viewing Mason Street (a hidden historic nugget) as part of the 2023 tour.
Chris Hawley giving 2023 participants insight into the Niagara St corridor history
I first met Chris Platt on the VN hosted Niagara Street History Bike Tour led by Chris Hawley and Kerry Traynor in September 2023. We got to talking that day, and before long he joined the Vision Niagara board. Soon after, he teamed up with fellow new board member Tina Nuñez to help launch the Historic Preservation Subcommittee – a natural fit for people who care deeply about the neighborhood’s past and where it’s headed.
Chris was raised on a hay farm in Florence, NY, and moved to Buffalo six and a half years ago for graduate school. Unlike many who come for school and move on, Chris stayed. He’s spent most of that time living on the West Side, and for the past 2 years on Niagara Street itself, in a historic mansion he helped restore. That hands-on experience only strengthened his connection to the corridor and its future.
With degrees in architecture, urban planning, and public health – and a career in real estate and development – Chris brings a smart, well-rounded perspective to neighborhood advocacy. He’s involved with Vision Niagara because he wants to roll up his sleeves, do the work, and think carefully about how Niagara Street can be an even better place to live, work and visit.
Over the past year, Chris and I have been preparing for this transition, and I’m confident he’s ready to step into the role of President of Vision Niagara. I’m not going anywhere – I’ll continue serving on the board and as a neighbor on Niagara Street. I’m excited to support Chris as he brings fresh energy and thoughtful leadership to the next chapter of Vision Niagara
Barbara Rowe