Cannon Design featured a forum about Niagara Street’s future at Rich Products beautiful atrium last month. Panelists included Paul Ciminelli, CEO of Ciminelli Real Estate Corp., Dr. Lorrie Clemo, President of D’Youville College, Barbara Rowe, Board President of Vision Niagara and Howard Rich, VP @ Rich Products. Michael Tunkey, Cannon Design moderated. (Summarized here).

This forum is part of Cannon’s Buffalo Urban Futures Forum.

A unique feature of this event was an interactive map where attendees had the opportunity to plug in what they would like to see on the corridor. And the map isn’t finished! If your organization will be having a meeting this summer, you could include this activity and have it recorded for posterity! Contact Michael Tunkey if you are interested!

Work will begin this summer on improvements to the Jesse Kregal Pathway. John Bidell, city engineer with Buffalo’s Department of Public Works, was very kind to walk the path with two of our board members to describe the changes to come. Also joining us, were Phil Galbo and Tom Buckley from Watts Engineering.

The illustration above shows before and after of the western head of the trail. Note, however, the blue surface will not be part of the changes.

We will see lighting installed at a few locations. The chain link fencing that is overgrown with weeds will be replaced with a cable fence which will make maintenance efforts easier. See current status in photos below.

Cable fencing will eliminate some of this sort of vandalism – a determined person can just crawl through!

Other changes include a new access road, again to ease maintenance loads but also will be a new way for folks to get to the path.

Changes will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate easily around the Army Corps of Engineers which now closes off part of the path on weekends. New signage will ease the confusion of navigation. It should be clear where folks can choose between the new bike lanes on Niagara Street and the path.

And this lovely but sad historical marker will be refurbished!

We’ll all have to be patient! The path will be closed while the work is going on – if all goes well, we’ll have a sparkly Jesse Kregal Pathway to enjoy late summer or early fall! Jesse would have been so pleased!

A big thanks to Andy Rabb, City of Buffalo Deputy Commissioner Parks and Recreation, for spearheading this project!

Councilmember David Rivera is sponsoring a meeting to give the community an opportunity to view plans for 990 Niagara Street: Wednesday, May 10, 6:00 pm, Niagara Branch Library (corner of Porter and Prospect). Andrew Crossed from Park Grove Realty and the architect will be present the project for attendees. The owner and developer are seeking a variance from the zoning board because of the height proposed for the building. Vision Niagara had an opportunity to meet and discuss the project. We are pleased that the zoning board tabled the variance request until the community has an opportunity to offer feedback.

This project will have positive impacts on the neighborhood in bringing more residents who will potentially support local businesses. It is a project that can bring needed investment and potentially spark more of the same. We welcome the increased density and urban infill. The enclosed parking is also a benefit.

At the same time, our waterfront is on the verge of becoming another example of high rent districts that could displace existing residents. Buffalo’s “renaissance” makes city living more desirable, but as developers find opportunities to create more high-end housing, rents throughout the City rise. Families who have lived in the same Buffalo neighborhoods for generations are rapidly becoming “priced out.” In fact, several organizations, including Partners for The Public Good and Heart of the City have requested a policy of Inclusionary zoning in the City of Buffalo that would require developers to include 30% of all units be made affordable to those in our community with incomes at or below 60% of area median income.

This project and potential new ones on the horizon begin to close off the already limited open views from Niagara Street to Niagara River and Canada. We ask the developers to consider making a commitment to work collaboratively with our membership to preserve the last available green spaces, especially those with views to the water, for the benefit of Niagara Street patrons, current residents, and visitors to our community. We are sure that visually connecting Niagara Street to the water will not only enhance the value of this project, but as well, will help to brand Niagara Street as a waterfront boulevard, will serve to beautify the area, and will continue to ensure that this a place where folks want to work, visit and play.

Meet us at Broderick Park, foot of West Ferry and Niagara Street, on Saturday, April 21st. We’ll be mulching and sprucing up the lovely park as part of BN Waterkeeper Shoreline Sweep. Free VN tee-shirts for first 50 volunteers! Other goodies available, too, ‘cuz we just love our volunteers!

Sign up here!

We asked board member, Grace Andriette, to summarize a recent presentation about an important subject that is relevant to our neighborhood.

Buffalo finds itself suddenly described as a city undergoing an economic renaissance.   Yet for over one hundred twenty-eight thousand (128,000) Buffalonians, this so-called “economic renaissance” only makes life more difficult.  Buffalo’s “renaissance” makes city living more desirable, but as developers find opportunities to create more high-end housing, rents throughout the City rise.  Despite the increase of high income renters in our communities, the City’s poverty rate continues to rise.  Currently, 31.4% of Buffalo residents live in poverty – more than two times the national average.  Families who have lived in the same Buffalo neighborhoods for generations are rapidly becoming “priced out.”

The Future of Affordable Housing was the topic of a panel discussion hosted by Assembly Member Sean Ryan at D’Youville College on February 8^th.  Panelists included:  Sam Magavern, Executive Director, Partnership for the Public Good; Dennice Barr, President, Fruit Belt Advisory Panel;  Councilman David Rivera, City of Buffalo Common Council, Niagara District, DeAnna Eason, Executive Director, Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and Todd Rawlings (via video conference), Housing Program Manager, Community & Economic Development, City of Burlington, Vermont.  Mr. Rawlings spoke about Burlington’s inclusionary zoning ordinance which was adopted in 1990.  Today, Burlington, Vermont has one of the nation’s most diverse and sophisticated affordable housing delivery and financing systems, overseen by a broad network of public and non-profit agencies.  Over time, this system has succeeded in helping to create a market where, according to the City’s 2013 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development, fully one-quarter of rental units have been made affordable through public subsidy, regulation, or deed restriction.  Inclusionary zoning has played a significant role in ensuring that housing opportunities for families of all income levels exist within the City of Burlington.

The importance of preserving the rich diversity of Buffalo’s neighborhoods was the focus of Councilmember David Rivera’s comments.  Increasing rents threaten that diversity – especially in neighborhoods on our City’s Westside where housing values and rents have suddenly spiked.  Much of the new luxury or market-rate housing built in the Westside and in other parts of Buffalo is underwritten with generous subsidies from taxpayers; yet many of those same taxpayers are negatively impacted by that development. The recently introduced City Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance is a proven tool in the toolbox designed to create more affordable housing opportunities, and  to protect the rich economic, racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of our communities.

We are delighted to welcome 12 Grain Studio to our Niagara Street neighborhood! These folks are an amazing creative team – check them out soon!

VN: What four words describe your project?

Creative Art Design Studio

Describe the work you do and the impact you’re trying to make:

We have a wide range of projects going on at the moment, from logos to murals, posters to animations. In all aspects of what we do, there is always a focus on incorporating custom illustration. The majority of our work is for small businesses, nonprofits and higher education. As artists, we also have original handmade crafts and artwork for sale. The appeal is our ability to adapt by using different styles for each clients’ needs and offering a service that is not typically found in this area.

What brings you to the Niagara Street Corridor?

We’ve always looked to Niagara St. because it is culturally diverse, but not too busy. It’s an up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot of potential to be a great part of Buffalo. We also have a few friends with businesses here and want to be part of the rejuvenation. We got connected with Buffalove Development who helped us with a great space.

What are you noticing in Buffalo that deserves more attention?

Incentives for small businesses to open in the downtown area, in affordable spaces, owned by reputable landlords. As Buffalo grows, parking and traffic will become a concern. We would love to see more healthy food options. The need for covered bus stops.

What’s your favorite number & why?

12, because 15 is too much

The three story Italianate, brick building has been lovingly restored. Owner Bill Breeser is the proud owner! Buffalo Rising recently posted exterior photographs, we’ll add some interior shots to round out the view.

This project benefited from a Better Buffalo Fund Main Street grant that was secured by Vision Niagara. Administering the grant, while Vision Niagara pursued our 501(c)3 status (finally secured January 2017!), was the wonderfully competent Heart of the City. A mighty thanks to them! Historic tax credits were available too, because it is part of the new Black Rock Canal – Belt Line – Niagara Street Industrial Heritage Historic District. (Whew, that’s a mouthful!). Developing and registering that district was but one benefit of Vision Niagara securing a New York Main Street Technical Assistance Grant. NYHCR, which oversees these grants, tells us that this is the first Main Street grant completed that followed up from a NYSTA Grant.

But on to the pictures!

First floor is beautifully restored! Note the ceiling treatment. We eagerly await the new tenant.

Third floor windows facing Niagara Street.

Third floor kitchen. This is a two bedroom apartment. All apartments have gas fireplaces.

Second floor windows.

Second floor kitchen.

All three apartments have washer/dryer.

All three floors have a security system that allows viewing who is buzzing the doorbell.

Only a bit of a glimpse, lots more lovely details!

You might have noticed that Vision Niagara hasn’t had a meeting recently. Well, that’s cuz VN’s Board of Directors has been very busy with defining our vision and developing a 3 year strategic plan.

We started out as a pretty loose group of stakeholders several years ago. More recently, we organized our structure and successfully applied for not-for-profit status. We are an all volunteer group and yet we’ve accomplished so much! Now with the neighborhood developing at practically break-neck speed, the time is ripe for us to really focus our energies.

This determined and committed board of directors (and a few close friends) have carved out major chunks of time from busy schedules so that we can devote ourselves to identifying shared values, developing a vision statement and mapping the road ahead. It’s incredibly hard work and we are very grateful to have professional help, thanks to the generosity of Rich Products.

You’ll hear soon from us about our direction and…. how you can be part of it!

What is Stitch Buffalo? “Utilizing the textile arts as our catalyst, Stitch Buffalo creates opportunities for cross-cultural community experiences and economic empowerment for resettled refugee women in Buffalo, NY. Each week a growing group gathers to weave and embroider.  It is a time of laughter, socialization, curiosity and learning.  Colors and patterns are chosen, beads are strung and women on the edge of society redefine their identity while building bridges of confidence and community.

Initially starting with a single refugee woman, it has now grown into a thriving community of over 55 women from Bhutan, Burma, Nepal, Thailand and Angola. Each week these women come together to form a Refugee Women’s Workshop, sewing handcrafted goods for sale within the community.” (www.stitchbuffalo.org)

Dawne Hoag (pictured above) founded the organization in 2014 and they’ve been growing ever since. Hence, the need to have a new and larger location.

They now have a beautiful working space and an opportunity to show off their handwork because they moved to 1215 Niagara Street, a location with a long history for the neighborhood. Although nondescript as a building, this little structure goes back many decades as a butcher shop and neighborhood store. The interior has original equipment including an oak walk-in cooler.

Jospehina Rizzo is pictured above in the same location, ca. 1930. The cooler pictured in the foreground will now have the enameled trays filled with embroidered works. They will be open for retail on November 25th!

You might wonder who some of the folks are directing Vision Niagara. We’re pleased to present Dionne Williamson who is one of this  year’s honorees at the 45^th Annual Buffalo Black Achievers awards, a well deserved and prestigious distinction.

Ms. Williamson is a native of Western New York.  After graduating from Lackawanna Sr. High School she joined the United States Army Reserves, served eight years and earned the enlisted rank of Sergeant.  In her military position as a Personnel Records Specialist, she maintained personnel records-specifically beneficiary and life insurance policies, for enlisted members.  During this time she attended Medaille College and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management.

Ms. Williamson is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship as well.  She owned and operated a handmade greeting card business for six years and pursued other entrepreneurial endeavors.  During this time she participated in the University at Buffalo School of Management’s Minority and Women Emerging Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program.  She is also a Certified Interior Design Consultant and received this certification from the New York Institute of Art and Design which has allowed her to further enhance her already creative design and organizational talents.

Ms. Williamson is currently the National Sales Director at Visit Buffalo Niagara.  She has been on the VBN team for 13 years.  In her position, she promotes Buffalo as a meetings and convention destination.  She has worked primarily with the fraternal and religious meetings markets as well as the military and family reunion markets.  Ms. Williamson was recently promoted and now handles the corporate and national association markets specializing in education, environmental, insurance, multicultural and cultural/fine arts just to name a few.

Vision Niagara is grateful for all the advice and hard work that Ms. Williamson donates to our efforts!