One Small Step For Johnson Park...
This small step will hopefully lead to much larger steps in the near future. What you see here is the new plaque that will be unveiled at a July 28th ceremony.
Organizers are also in the process of procuring $7500 in funds (see update below) that will go towards site surveys, construction documents, etc. The services will be the preliminary steps toward installation of a jogging path and other amenities that will grace the park. "Well, we figured that as long as people were jogging there every day, we might as well make it a feature," said Marilyn Rodgers of the West Village Renaissance Group (WVRG). "People that stay at the local hotels somehow find Johnson Park and use it as a running track. The addition of the plaque is step one. We are going to look to foundations in order to secure grants to make this all a reality. The total sum of the project will be around $400,000. That will include the fountain and conservatory.”
Breaking News: “We just got the initial $7500 for the studies,” Marilyn called-in minutes ago. “Now we're going to look at Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the actual project."
If all goes according to plan, the project will include wheelchair and stroller access, replacing the streetlights near the jogging path, new curbs, reseeding, and a glass conservatory and fountain that will be operational year 'round. WVRG hopes to orchestrate efforts with Hutch Tech down the road in order to maintain many of these features. These goals will only be possible with the help of community foundations (and help from the city). Buffalo's ‘oldest and most continually lived in neighborhood’ deserves to be treated with much respect considering it is so close to so many of the blossoming developments at the city's core.
If there is a person that would like to get involved, or a foundation that would like to help, please contact the WVRG.
*Thanks to David Wahl who wrote the copy for the featured plaque.
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al-alo
this just shows what a difference block clubs and concerned buffaloians can do. despite the great architecture, as recently as just a few years ago, johnson park was not all that aluring after dark - or even during the day.
frankly, i give a lot of credit to Marilyn Rodgers and WVRG. if it werent for their efforts to get rid of the dealers and some assorted less than reputable folk it would be the same, or maybe worse.
keep up the great work!
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Biniszkiewicz
One of the many helpful steps in the reclamation of Johnson Park was when the soup kitcen (American Rescue Workers) decided to consolidate services and sell 95 Johnson Park (which Richard Lambert purchased for his theater group--my first ever real estate deal as an agent). Prior to Richard's purchase, the soup kitchen was a magnet for bums, many of which tended to use the park as a toilet. I feel for the residents surrounding Friends of Night People.
Great work, Marilyn!
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courttv
Johnson Park was a mess for some time after the purchase the realtor above speaks about. I think it was sold to the theater back in the mid 90's. The owner of the theater didn't seem to mind the bums and others hanging out literally at times. Then the neighbors got together and reformed the Johnson Park BC under new leadership that actually did something insted of just talking. That's what started it all and then the BC became a larger organization which is now a not-for-profit community agency otherwise known as the WVRG and they are the ones from early 2002 that got everything improved. The bums would still be there coming from the realtors rooming house that is still vacant and the owner of the theater would still be sitting with them smoking pot in the park.
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114
I am a former 10 year resident (1991-2001) of Johnson Park (JP). I can attest to the deplorable state of JP during the soup kitchen days, and can further attest to the actions the BC residents took at that time, in attempts to reclaim the block. I would also like to give kudos to Marilyn and WVRG for staying the course, and seeing through the continued revitalization of JP.
I loved living on JP, and miss my neighbors. I left only because of a job transfer to NYC. I will back to WNY 7/12 - 7/17, and as always will drive by my former house, and note the state of the block. Perhaps this time, I will have time to stop by Jim's house, or Gails to say hi. Also, Marilyn I have some pictures that I would like to donate to WVRG for posterity.
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MRodgers
114 - are you "D?" If so, I remember you. A great deal has changed in the 'hood since you left. Your old house is beautiful with a great front garden. You'd better stop by my home, too. I'll let Gail and Jim know you're coming in - and - appreciate the offer of the pics. Only wish you'd be here for the Garden Walk this year. Major issues have significantly dropped working with police and the courts and our councilmember was the best partnership we could have developed. (Kudos to Brian Davis - great guy with strong vision.)
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114
Hi Marilyn ! yes it is me. I sure will drop by your home with the pics if I am able to spend some time in Buffalo, since I am mainly visiting the Southerntier. We have to give a BIG warm thank you to Jim,who helped me every step of the way in putting in the "great front garden", as well as the rear garden. I'm happy to hear that the new owners are keeping it up.
I'm also glad to hear that there is finally an effective district councilmember. There was one actually living on JP, which did not benefit the block in any way that I recall. JP has such great potential, and the way things are going it wil be realized in our lifetime!!
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