tuesday december 16th 2008
Parking Meter Poem - 'redream'
queenseyes
It was only last week when we began to install the parking meter poles on Allen Street that architect and UB professor Brad Wales pointed out to me what their artistic significance really was. "Have you ever seen the words on the poles," he asked me. I told him that I had noticed the words, but was not sure why they were there. "It was part of the Small Built Works (SBW) project back in '01. Each word begins with the prefix 're'. It was done to add a human element to the dehumanizing streetscape that is often found (normally the parking meter poles feature stenciled identification numbers). We did it in conjunction with the Pan Am Centennial.
"The prefix 're' was selected because it has two meanings - back or backwards and again or anew. As a concrete poem, the poem itself looks both forwards and backwards. We were renewing Allen Street and paying tribute to the past. All 103 parking meter poles have the poem on them - there are three misspellings... see if you can find them. The stude…
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queenseyes
With everyone talking about the auto bailout and the future roll to be played by car manufacturers, many people are beginning to look at local government's roll in the deal. Car manufacturers are looking for partners within city government that will make the transition to alternative energy easier. Some cities are answering the call by studying infrastructure in order to come up with plans that would allow residents the ability to make the transition a smooth one. There are still big fears when it comes to the prices and maintenance of owning an electric car. And what are the electric companies doing to ensure that the power is there when cities do lead the charge? From Tony Posawatz, vehicle line director of the Chevy Volt, in a recent CNET News article:
"We are looking at communities tha…
Elena Cala Buscarino
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Newell and I met up with WBFO News Director Mark Scott for our weekly Buffalo Rising Round Table. We discussed Buffalo First's Amy Kedron's initiative to infuse the local economy via Buffalo Bucks. Amy's idea of printing Buffalo-centric dollars for that extra boost to area shop owners appeals to us. Buffalo First also put out a coupon book recently; $10 gives purchasers the potential for $2,500 in savings.
It was a touchy week in county government, when the legislature overrode the county executive's budget vetoes. If the goings-on were to receive a rep…
andalu13
Christmas must be right around the corner. A number of Buffalo bars had the pleasure of some additional holiday entertainment as over 50 St. Nicks took part in the 5th annual “Santa Claus Pub Crawl for Charity” this past Saturday night. Jeff Polisoto, Head Santa, has been organizing this event since 2003 and has seen the number of Santas and charitable contributions grow exponentially over the years. “We still have money coming in, but should be able to donate approximately $5000 to a Buffalo family(s) in need”, Jeff told me over the phone yesterday. Several corporate sponsors including Labatt Blue, Amherst Pizza & Ale House and Grand Tours helped to make the night a special one for the patrons at Coles, Cozumel, Lafayette Tap Room, 67 West and Soho.
Just the sight of over 50 Santas entering a bar is pretty cool. They spend about an hour per bar handing out candy …
West Coast Perspective
A stunning conversion project in the Midtown area is for sale. Gurney Becker & Bourne is listing 1716 Main Street, a mixed-use property profiled previously on Buffalo Rising here and here. The site consists of two separate buildings. The two-story building fronting Main was constructed during the Pan-American Expo period, which includes 3,210 sq.ft. of street retail and a 4,200 sq.ft. second floor loft residence. The rear building was built thirty years later in 1930 and currently serves as an architectural workshop.
buffalorising
Last year over seven hundred people attended the Buffalo Ball and danced the night away while giving back to charity. It’s one of the few times throughout the year when you and everyone around you will be dressed to impress yet getting down and funky on the dance floor while sipping cocktails and munching hors d’oeuvres. Last year’s crowd set a record attendance and the Buffalo Charity Ball Committee hopes to top it this year. They’re keeping their online sales open until December 22nd, so get your tickets early while you can still get the discount.
The Buffalo Ball was established to help raise money for organizations that could use a helping hand. Last year, the event raised $13,000, which was then split between Hospice Buffalo and Re-Tree WNY. The two beneficiaries of this year’s third annual Buffalo Charity Ball are Project FLIGHT and Angel Flight. One company is e…
monday december 15th 2008
Broadcasting The Barkyard
queenseyes
Micropark Jay has asked that I let BRO viewers (and dog owners) know that the new Barkyard website is up. Thanks to The Martin Group anyone can know at any time what the latest is on the four-legged romping grounds. 2009 is shaping up to be an exciting year for dog park-goers. There will be grounds broken as well as plenty of fun new amenities for the dogs.
When you visit the site, make sure that you check out the three-phase plan. If you're unfamiliar with the effort, this is where you'll find the future plans. There's a calendar of events section and a photo gallery. There's even a place to make donations to the cause. If you donate $100 or more, a tree will be planted and a custom dog tag will be attached to The Barkyard fence in order to identify the person (or dog) …
buffalorising
We'll let this one stand as it is. The following is a press release issued from the Seneca Nation of indians in response to Governor David Paterson's signing of a bill that will allow the state to collect tax on the sale of Indian cigarettes to non-Indians. The state stands to collect nearly $60 million per year on an excise tax that is $2.75/pack.
The Seneca statement:
Seneca Nation Will Act Against Recent State Attack President Snyder says law ignores treaties The Seneca Nation of Indians will explore all of its options after Governor David A. Paterson today signed into state law a bill that threatens the Nation’s treaty rights and 1,000 retailing jobs in Western New York.
“This action is a threat to the Seneca Nation and we have no choice but to explore all of our options,” said Barry E. Snyder, Sr., Seneca Nation President. …
Elena Cala Buscarino
According to this New York Times article, Governor David Paterson may put an end to controversial Empire Zone business incentives in order to balance the state's $15 billion deficit. Assemblyman Sam Hoyt is ready to ask Paterson to restructure the Empire Zone program locally so that the Canal Side Project, which falls within the zone, still enjoys program benefits.
"The governor's budget, which he'll submit tomorrow, marks the beginning of debate," Hoyt said. "It doesn't mean it will pass, but we'…
queenseyes
I am happy to report that facade work on185 Allen Street, former home to DROOL Clothing, has finally been completed. It's very refreshing to see this finally completed (for the most part). After the graffiti-struck blue door is painted, we're looking at a fine Allentown building once more. I spoke to leasing agent Alan Hastings (Hastings Cohn Real Estate) regarding the future of 185 Allen and he had this to say:
"The out-of-town owner is more interested in leasing the building, though it is for sale as well. We're talking to a couple of bar/restaurant prospects that would be utilizing both the inside space as well as the courtyard area. The first floor is 2100 sq.' and is zoned for a restaurant, though it would have to be re-approved by The City. All of the columns on the first floor have been removed - the owner installed steel beams throughout in order to open the space up…
