California dreaming collides with Buffalo reality
I first wrote about Poppy and Sean Wright and their efforts to renovate and reopen the former Danny Zack's Bar and Grill in April 2007.
The idea for the story came from a member of the Buffalo group on Flickr.com, a photo-sharing Web site. He told me that photos of Buffalo on Flickr had caught the eye of a California resident and lured her to Western New York.
Soon after she moved to Buffalo in 2006, Poppy Wright found and fell in love with Danny Zack's, and her husband followed her here with plans to help rehab and open the bar.
The sale dragged on for months, due in part to the deteriorating health of the current owners.
I e-mailed Poppy Wright earlier this month to let her know we wanted to write another article once she knew she was definitely opening -- or not opening -- the bar.
"We've got your follow-up story," she replied on Tuesday, before going on to tell me the awful news about the fire that destroyed the bar on Sunday.
The blaze started in an abandoned building at 1219 Niagara St. that the Wrights had repeatedly told the city was a haven for prostitution and drug use and a potential hazard.
The Wrights, who lived above the bar, are glad they escaped the blaze with their lives.
But they've lost everything, and they plan to move to Sean's native Brooklyn this month.
They leave with some frustration toward the city government, arguing the city should have demolished the abandoned building much sooner.
A top city official said the city did take the previous owner to Housing Court and the city had put the property on its demolition list.
But the list has 2,000 properties on it and a demolition date for 1219 Niagara wasn't set.
Tuesday, however, the abandoned building and Danny Zack's were torn down under an emergency
demolition order.
It came too late for the Wrights.
--- Stephen T. Watson
Their and heighbors' insurance must pay for damages. They'll start all over somewhere and somehow. Life goes on no matter what happens.
How come not a word mentioned about that?
Posted by: zanna vaida | June 06, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Alright Troy. I thought you were talking about TR, not FDR, seeing as he was a member of the Pregressive Party. I actually agree with you then. Th US was very lucky to survive FDR's presidency. However, I think you missed the point about what people mean by "whining." The point is that if you are not an active person in the community or you are not in a position from which you can help fix the community's problems (ie not living in WNY), your armchair generalship is neither constructive nor appreciated. Obviously, typing on a website is not going to fix any problems, but it at least allows people who are willing and able to take action to communicate their ideas.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 05, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Whining -
This is a thread on the internet, and the particular subject matter here isn't exactly uplifting or inspiring of optimism. Regardless, we're not going to be fixing anything here, from a website. This is *all* mental masturbation, a nice distraction while wasting time. Don't look for a point to any of this, you'll just be disappointed.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 05, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Boomhauer - when did I say I hate WNY? I think its government sucks, and I place a great deal of blame on its patronage system (the "Friends and Family Plan") and City-County political squabbling for keeping the economic plight of the region depressed, but contrary to the sentiments of the Anti-Whining Whiner, I have no animosity towards the region in general. It's a fun place to visit. The people are better than any other I've found in my travels. But in terms of corporate and property taxes, and the workforce availability, it's not the sort of place I'd try to start a business. It doesn't invite new investment, and between the lines of this story you can see some of the reasons why. WNYers have a knee-jerk reaction to outsider criticism, even when they agree with your premise.
And I think you misunderstood me -- I was using "progressive" as a pejorative, and was most certainly NOT extolling any virtues of FDR. In fact, I think he was a horrible president, whose Raw Deal prolonged the depression well beyond the mid-1930s. I was pointing out that the "progressive" policies of FDR and those who follow him are not too unlike those of the illiberal 20th century "leaders" you mentioned.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 05, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Why nobody mention what kind of insurance policy they had for their business?
Posted by: zanna vaida | June 05, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I don;';t feel bad for these people. I love the part about the money being stolen from the safe. Have these people ever heard of a bank? I also love the foresight of these "wise" investors. Coming to an area because you liked the pretty pictures on a website? I don't think these two were the brightest bulbs around. She didn't even look at other options in the area to open her nightclub? C'mon who are these people? I'm sure they would have renovated the bar, and been closed within 2 years and in bankruptcy. Good luck in Brooklyn, glad your no longer here.
Posted by: hate me now | June 05, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Troy, I don't see your argument then. You hate WNY because there is too much government meddling, but now you're extolling the virtues of the President that created an entire new cabinet department (Labor--I know how you hate those darn government workers), invented "trust-busting" (the government can't possibly meddle more than that), and created the ICC and the precursor of the FDA to meddle even more in private business affairs. I won't even begin to decribe on role he played in passing through the 16th Amendment (i.e. the federal income tax). Don't get me wrong, I think Roosevelt was a great President, but you seem to be taking both sides of the argument here.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 04, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Oh, come on, Troy... you've got a chip on your shoulder all right. I find it amusing and puzzling that some of the loudest and most virulant anti-WNY voices on these boards come from people who don't even here (and from people who haven't lived here for years). What's the point, Troy? Really, why so bitter, nasty and negative... and at such a young age?
I'm certainly not a Polly-Anna; if you knew me, you'd realize how ridiculous it is to suggest such a thing. I've probably got about 10 years on you, Troy; I'm still relatively young, but those 10 years have taught me a great deal. This community (and large portions of this state) need a lot of work... but I happen to believe that the area is well worth the effort.
I make my own luck and happiness. I enjoy my life here. I work, I have my fun, and then I roll up my sleeves to try to make things better in my community... in whatever small ways I feel I'm able to do so. I don't wait for government to "get it together" or to save my neighborhood; show me one city where that sort of attitude would pay off in any sort of meaningful manner.
Yes, the auto industry is probably gone forever, as are the steel plants. But that's not isolated to Western New York. Indeed, it's a sad fact all over this country (thanks to NAFTA, GATT, corporate greed and terminal corporate mis-management). It's a rough time all over for people who don't have a college degree; try making it anywhere without one these days. I feel for these displaced people -- wherever they're from. That, however, is why I got myself a solid education... and then I got myself some more education on top of that.
Like I said, I've lived other places. I could do what I do in Boston... in Philly... in SanDiego... pretty much anywhere. We could even make a bit more money in these places... but I've learned the hard way that any extra money that I might earn in these places will quickly get eaten up in living expenses (and then some). Western New York is a beautiful place to live, it's a great place to raise a family, and the cost-of-living can't be beat. I enjoy the galleries... I enjoy the arts scene... I enjoy the concerts and the waterfront and the wide-variety of restaurants... my husband likes the "sports scene"... we even like the weather. Like I said, I have a fine life -- as do many Western New Yorkers. Is it perfect? Of course not! Are there problems that need to be addressed? Yes! This community, however, is worth fighting for and working for.
Scathing derision from smug out-of-towners does nothing to help better the situation around here. In fact, it does nothing to better your own situation, whatever it may be. It adds nothing of use or value to the world. And it certainly doesn't help Poppy and Sean Wright. So really, what's the point?
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 04, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Boomhauer:
1. The relationship between customer and proprietor is inherently private. The relationship between proprietor and legislator/regulator is inherently public.
2. That is the general direction that American progressivism takes us. Roosevelt, arguably the father of American progressivism and the man responsible for conflating it with the designation "liberal", admired the economic policies of the Axis powers.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 05:55 PM
What chip on my shoulder? I've got a far better life than I'd ever have had in Western New York, and I'm quite content deriding Buffalo politics and the pollyannas that praise it, thanks.
Don't get me wrong, I wish Buffalo was a place worth moving to, but it's not a big deal that it isn't.
Employers are not choosing Buffalo, and they aren't going to choose Buffalo. Storefronts and other businesses (City Mattress, American Axle, Great Lakes MDF) are relocating out of state or closing outright. The regions autoworker jobs are following the steel plant jobs into cost-prohibition and obsolescence.
But hey, you'll always have Elmwood.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Boomhauer writes:
"1. All industries 'nestle at the public teat.' Or can you name one that sells products only to its own employees?"
A very astute point, Boomhauer! I concur.
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 04, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Troy:
1. All industries "nestle at the public teat." Or can you name one that sells products only to its own employees?
2. Non-demoratic leftists...you mean like Lenin, Castro, Chairman Mao perhaps? Yeah, their countries sure did boom under their leadership brilliant ideas.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 04, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Troy Cumbo writes: "...but you're probably employed in an industry that nestles at the public teat."
Wrong again, smug Mr. know-it-all.
It must be rough having to carry around that big chip on your shoulder. Best of luck back at ya'!
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 04, 2008 at 05:23 PM
I am not a Republican, and "leftist" does not equal Democrat. "Leftist" is progressivism, which both of the major parties have been engaging with increasing frequency.
You may be content, but you're probably employed in an industry that nestles at the public teat.
Best of luck to ya.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Ah yes, it's the leftist politicians that are to blame... now I understand. Puleeze! That statement tells me everything that I need to know about you. You mean leftist politicians like our current Republican screw-up County Exec.? Or the Repub. who just left office? Give me a break.
I've lived a lot of places. We moved back to WNY three years ago, and we're happy as clams... doing just fine... making more money than we did anywhere else, with a higher standard of living. If you think it's so bad around here, please just stay put.
The last thing we need in this community are more right wing know-it-all whiners.
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 04, 2008 at 04:15 PM
I did leave, Einstein, 12 years ago. I wasn't going to study civil service or political science, so the region held little attraction for me as anything more than a pleasant memory.
The brain drain is endemic to the whole of the country, not just Buffalo, so you can come down off your cross. Skilled high wage earners are headed to major metropolitan areas, displacing lower wage earners already there. But nobody's shuffling off to Buffalo, or really anywhere in the Rust Belt, and your pathetic "government" is not doing anything to address that.
The Buffalo area is quite nice, and I miss its people and culture. I hope it can manage to succeed eventually, somehow. But its leftist entitlement politics drag its economy down, and there is nothing you or anyone in this thread can do to change that. Seriously, why would I want to live in an environment where the "free market" is blasphemy and a do-nothing, carpetbagging, celebrity senator is a hero? Not worth it.
To wit, Poppy and Sean Wright: a cautionary tale about the no-win scenario of being a small business in the WNY environment.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Yeah, yeah, yeah. More whining and hyperbole... now from Troy Cumbo.
If you hate the area/community so much, do something or leave. For the love of pete, quit whining and work to fix the problems. Jump in. You might be surprised.
And although there are problems here, there's no talent drain. Quit being a drama queen. ::eye roll:: Many people happen to like it here. This endless dose of negativity, without any action, does nothing to change the things that need to be changed... it only makes life for everyone else worse. It's time for all the whiners to get their hands dirty. Quit waiting for government to fix things for you. Do something to make your own community better. Plenty of people here are doing just that.
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 04, 2008 at 03:42 PM
"I'd spend my money there and I am sure others would too."
I'm sure you would. But after satisfying needless building codes, pleading before some hackneyed legislative council, placating the union graft, and paying some of the country's highest property taxes, could I actually *make* any money on the enterprise?
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 03:23 PM
There's a small but cute (new) building in NT right on the Canal not to far from Canalside. It looks like there are old slips right on the property. It has been for sale for about 8 years now. Please someone buy it and make it a small restaurant/boat slip. You could make it part of the Canal ride. I'd spend my money there and I am sure others would too.
Posted by: tothehaves | June 04, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Hey look at the bright side, now Byron Brown has more stuff to knock down and call "development".
Is anyone surprised though? Buffalo does nothing to attract new economy and is indifferent to the energy of the economy it does have. The government will make bold plays for high visibility (i.e., BassPro) but lacks the focus or ability to actually provide a sustainable framework in which to culture any real economic power.
And thus, that sucking sound you hear as all the talent flees the region shows no sign of abating.
Posted by: Troy Cumbo | June 04, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I don't know why you would want to brag about the good stuff here. It makes more want to come back. Let it be. It's our little secret and the less the merrier.
Posted by: half full | June 04, 2008 at 02:45 PM
NY Hater, don't even get started on California. It's in an even bigger mess than Buffalo is with its water rationing, rolling blackouts,, wildfires, illegal immigration, and a tax system that even makes NY look good. But on top of that, the cost of living is much higher in california and the other places you mentioned. Employers account for this, and that's why wages are higher there (if you don't believe me move downstate near NYC--you can do the exact same job for the exact same employer and get paid more for it). More money in your paycheck doesn't necessarily mean more in your pocket. And so I am to believe that everyone in Amherst or Clarence or who lives in a nice neighborhood in general is a "scammer?" Doctors are scammers? Lawyers are scammers (maybe, but only the ones you see advertising on TV)? Business owners are all scammers? Well then it's certainly a good thing the Wrights' bar burnt down. We wouldn't want any more business owners in WNY. No, that would devastate the economy. Come on now. There is no great aristocratic conspiracy in WNY out to hold down the little man. Like I said before, make the system work for you like so many residents have or leave. Complaining without action doesn't do anybody any good. It just makes everyone miserable, but I guess misery loves company.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 03, 2008 at 12:58 PM
One last note to Boomhauer... although there are a number of "not so nice" places in the city, there are also a lot of wonderful areas right in the city of Buffalo. Just this past weekend, I was hanging out on the Elmwood Strip and in Allentown. Both areas were vibrant and teeming with life and vitality: young and old together. Bars and restaurants full of happy Buffalo folks enjoying their weekend. I actually paused ant thought to myself "how beautiful this is! I'm lucky to live in this area!"
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 03, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Boomhauer,
You expressed my sentiments exactly. When I read NYHaters' rant, I was thinking "Hmmmm... if he had such a great job and great life out West, why would he move back here, without first lining up some prospects? Sounds pretty silly to me. Really, why would he have abandoned that wonderful life out West?" Sorry, but it doesn't ring true.
I have to say, that I personally would never hire a bitter, "do something for me now!" complainer, like NYHater. No wonder he had trouble getting a job! Maybe New York employers are simply more discerning than his former employers "out West." Although, again, I have my doubts that Haters' life out West was so golden; if it was, he wouldn't have left it behind to roll the dice here in Western NY.
As for the family who lost their home and business, I am truly sorry for the cruel twist of fate that they met; they certainly deserved better (as did the 50-year old gentleman who also lived in the building). It doesn't make sense to me, however, that the city would have moved anyone up ahead of others on the demolition list. All of the families who live by abandoned properties set for demolition face similar dangers; they all deserve to be taken care of. Unfortunately, it's a problem that we should have been keeping up with for many years, instead of letting the problem grow and build up to its current proportions.
Posted by: Tired of the whining! | June 03, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Hey BOOMHAUER....I kinda agree with you about the Beauty of NY but what good is it when you Can't afford gas to go anywhere or can't afford to go anywhere because of everything so expensive? Also there really is Not much to do here. I've been to Darien Lake too many times when I was younger. The people that Can afford to do things that live in Clarence or Amhearst are most likely scammers like Greedy Politicians, Doctors, lawyers, business owners...etc. The rate of pay on most jobs in NY are Horrible and one of the lowest in the country. Just for example, cashiers at Supermarkets in NY make Less than $8 per hour. Out in Arizona, Vegas and California they start at $12 per hour. You also get a Much Much nicer apartment out West for $700 than what you would get here in NY at that price. There are Brand New 2000+ square foot houses for rent in Arizona and Vegas for less than $1200 per month. Here in NY for that price you get a 30+ year old Rotted out house for that. Since Nobody wants to make NY better, I think all the good people should get the heck out and go live a Good Life somewhere other than NY.
Posted by: NY Hater | June 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Poor NY Hater. Seems to me your predicament was not necessarily due to big bad NY state, but your own failure at planning for your future. Why would anyone make the decision to move back here knowing full-well how much different NY is from other states? Do people not research areas before they move there? People need to stop complaining about how evil NY is. Either do something about it (vote, run for office yourself?) or figure out how to make the system work for you. Drive around WNY. Look at some of the nice homes and neighborhoods in the suburbs. I'm sure very few residents of Amherst or Clarence are making minumum wage in McDonalds. Buffalo itself is not a nice place--there's no denying that--but WNY as a whole is a great place to be. And there's water everywhere. Fresh, clean water. Lots of it. And it's all ours.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 03, 2008 at 10:13 AM
NY.....Born Free and Taxed to Death! Go stand on the Middle of the Peace Bridge and take a good look at Canada and New York. Then come back and tell me which side looks better. Canada is the Better lookin side because they actually take care of their land unlike NY. I used to love NY. I grew up in the suburbs. I recently lived out west for a few years. I made Big money out there. I had Much more there. Sometimes I wouldn't even cash my paycheck every week. No need to because I had plenty from the prior check. Then in late 2006 I moved back to Western NY. What a BIG mistake that was. I have since Lost just about everything I had. No Jobs. The pay rates suck. The same job I did out west pays $8 per hour Less here. The cost of Living in Western NY is about the same now. I lived in a Huge 1200 Square foot Condo. It was only 5 years old. My rent was $700 with a Nice view. Now I am in an OLD rotting bug infested apartment that is $500 per month. Took me 10 Months to get a crappy paying job here. Takes about 20 minutes to get a Great paying job out West. NY is all about Tax. Tax on a house that is $150,000 is around $4000+ per year. Tax on a $300,000 House in Vegas is around $2000 per year. Gas in Vegas and Arizona is around 25 cents cheaper than NY. Problems? Yeah...New York SUCKS. Yeah I am getting the heck out of NY again Very soon and Won't be looking back and I Won't miss it this time. To the people that think NY is great....You are Crazy or you are one of those Scammers that makes Big money off of poor people and doesn't give a dam about what happens to NY.
Posted by: NY Hater | June 03, 2008 at 07:39 AM
get it right said: "No good deed goes unpunished in Buffalo. Why couldn't city hall push up the demolition for someone making an investment for the long run?"
The city took ownership only six months ago. The demolition backlog is much longer that that, and it takes time to go through the needed steps. There's people all over the city waiting much longer than 6 months for demolitions to houses near them.
The "investment for the run" was likely to fail anyhow. People naive enough to leave cash for 48 hours at the scene of a fire, or even to keep it in a safe instead of a bank in the first place, don't sound likely to succeed opening their first night club and doing so in a run down neighborhood of a shrinking city. That's not to insult them, but nothing about their business plan would say to me they should be moved ahead in line before people already waiting for a house next to them to be demolished.
Posted by: get it right has it wrong | June 02, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Bob O. Bowie, please elaborate on this that you wrote: "Buffalo ought to be mortified and embarrassed at how we treated this couple and family."
It was terrible that one (likely) Buffalonian started an arson. Beyond that, how were they treated badly by Buffalo?
Yeah there's ten thousand abandoned buildings here and it will take a long time before they're all removed. Yeah all crime activity isn't shut down even when people call the police about it.
But seriously, what are your complaints about Buffalo's treatment of them for which anyone should be mortified or embarassed?
Posted by: question for Bowie | June 02, 2008 at 07:31 PM
No mention of the 50-something Buffalo Native who lived in back of Danny Zacks, ran a web publishing business there, & did maintenance on the property for the Wrights?
He lost $25,000 in computer & projection equipment, a cat, & all his personal possessions in the fire.
He, his family, & a county Sheriff stood constant guard over the place during the fire, till late Monday afternoon to prevent looters, or arsonists from re-torching the place.
The Wrights never came back during that time while they stood guard. They didn't come back 'till Tuesday morning to claim they were looted. They knew after the fire that an emergency demolition of the place was scheduled for Tuesday morning. Why did they wait so long (the last minute) after the fire to show up?
Thousands in a safe? Nobody does that anymore. Authorities are already calling the claim "suspicious".
One of our own lived there, took care of the place, called friends, family, & an off duty county sheriff to guard the place. They even gave plenty of interviews, to all the media during the fire, through until late monday afternoon, but nobody mentioned him.
I'm a witness I was there. The guy lost everything, a cat, his business, & he's now homeless. Why is the media ignoring him? Because he was the one complaining to city hall the most to get that vacant fire trap next door to Danny's to get torn down for over a year.
Posted by: Candi | June 02, 2008 at 07:08 PM
I talked to Steve earlier today about this sad story.
He told me that the school where the Wright's son attends is holding a charity "popcorn" sale.
My wife called and they confirmed the fund-raising. Our family will be sending a small check to the school, towards the fundraising effort.
But here is the Contact Info for the school, if anyone is interested. Just call and get the details of how to contribute.
PS 17 Early Childhood Center
1045 W. Delavan Avenue
Buffalo 14209
Phone: 816.3150
Posted by: Dave Valenzuela | June 02, 2008 at 12:43 PM
So discouraging.
We read the original story with such pride that the couple would take a chance on Buffalo.
We were equally devastated on Sunday to read the follow-up and how things have been for them, before the fire and since the fire.
Buffalo ought to be mortified and embarrassed at how we treated this couple and family.
I can't believe people would loot a family who had been through a fire. Absolutely disgusting.
I wish there were a fund at a local bank to make donations. Our family would happily send some money to them so that they had a less sour opinion of Buffalo on their way out.
Posted by: Bob O. Bowie | June 02, 2008 at 11:23 AM
"Houston, Dallas, Austin." I'm moving there myself. Gonna start a career selling propane and propane accessories I tell you what. Thank you Hank Hill for shameless plug.
Posted by: boomhauer | June 02, 2008 at 10:04 AM
No good deed goes unpunished in Buffalo. Why couldn't city hall push up the demolition for someone making an investment for the long run? City hall suxx.
Posted by: get it right | June 02, 2008 at 09:22 AM
It is a sad outcome to the hopes of this young couple. but time and chance do happen to all folk of good intentions.
Perhaps the experience of their effort will bring good to them and their future.
But frankly opening a bar in Buffalo's West Side in this time may not have been the best business plan they may have chosen. Most of the bars in the west side were vestiges of the industrial heritage of our area. there was a bar in every neighborhood where the workers slung down a couple of shots and beers on their way home from work and gather for the Friday Night Fish Fry and Saturday Night Telly.
But this is all gone. I wish those folk well but don't base your dreams on the past. invest in the future,
Posted by: Art Klein | June 01, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Abysmal. With people like the Wrights checking out, we might as well shut the lights out and say there's really 'No light at the end of the tunnel.'
Posted by: Miles Ignatuis | June 01, 2008 at 08:58 PM
This is Steve Watson, the reporter who wrote the story. Just wanted to say the question about insurance is a good one. It's not clear if the building was insured. The real-estate agent didn't know when I asked him. The Wrights don't think the building was insured.
Posted by: Steve Watson | June 01, 2008 at 02:51 PM
This story should not sound so surprising. Looks like I've read it a thousand times before in WNY. The problem here is with the residents of WNY. They equate experience with government as a career in government. All your major city and state leaders are lawyers and career government types. There are no business people calling the shots in the city or the state. People in this region have no clue what a high growth area is. They still think its 1950 and 1960 because its the predominate demographic left in Buffalo and WNY as anybody young, ambitious and a good college degree has fled to greener pastures. 2,000 properties that need to be condemned...what a tragedy. You won't find that in Houston, Dallas, Austin. Buffalo and WNY people, you reap what you sow! Better you than me!
Posted by: Texas Kid | June 01, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Were they insured?
Posted by: danno | June 01, 2008 at 02:13 PM
That story is tragic on so many levels.
Posted by: cmc | June 01, 2008 at 02:05 PM
lb,
""but we do NOT have "personal property tax" which Virginia has.""
The personal property tax is so minimal. Yes, they have a personal property tax (which is only applied to cars for 99.9% of the people); however, unless your car is for a business, the tax is subsidized 67%. I paid $117 this year on my BMW and wife's Cooper combined. Where exactly is the evening out?
Oh yeah, sales tax is 5% (like 3.45% on cars) and the gas is averaging 20-30 cents cheeper than WNY.
Posted by: David M. | June 01, 2008 at 01:45 PM
my husband is a buffalo firefighter and sadly he says that Mayor Brown and others in city hall will be long gone before we can get rid of all the vacants in the city. This is not something that happened in the last two or three years there are buildings around the city that have be left to rot for decades(like the old DEC school near mlk park) I see few coming down but not enough and the men and women of the bfd are constantly put in extra danger because of these vacants .
Posted by: proudcharterschoolmom | June 01, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Too bad - because we had a young couple who wanted to help our City. The excuse of over 2000 buildings on the demo list is lame. Too bad there are that many places on the list; but the potential for innocent people getting hurt or possibly lose their lives by the City NOT doing the demolition is even greater.
Set the priorities here. You can not revive a City; despite all the lofts being built downtown, if you do not take care of the rest of the City.
As usual, politics moving too slow.
However, must disagree with cost of living being more than out West from previous poster. Most people who come to visit here are amazed at how much real estate you can get for the price. Yes, the taxes may be higher, but we do NOT have "personal property tax" which Virginia has. It all evens out.
We do have, however, some pretty great people in our area. Too bad you are so bitter about Buffalo - I am glad I moved back here.
Posted by: lb | June 01, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I grew up around the Buffalo area. Things have changed Alot over recent years and NOT in a good way. I lived in Las Vegas for a few years and made the Mistake of coming back to Western NY. Ever since I moved back 2 years ago I have lost just about everything I had due to the lack of jobs, No money, Horrible rate of pay, HIGH taxes and many other things. My Girlfriend is originally from Sacramento, CA. She thought Western NY was awesome at first but now she Hates it here. We Will be Moving back out West very soon. New York is Not the place to be anymore. Politicians are the main reason NY has gone Downhill. They are very greedy and Don't give a dam about people below them. Gas prices out west are around 30+ cents Cheaper than NY. The cost of living is Higher in Western NY than in Vegas, Phoenix or Sacramento. What does that tell you? Once I leave this state very soon I have NO plans of ever coming back again. NY sucks and is 100% Useless.
Posted by: NY Hater | June 01, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Heartbreaking. What should have been a happy ending and a 'win' for Buffalo, ends in another loss. Thanks City Hall. You won't get it from this Administration, but for the decent folks here, "We're sorry."
Posted by: enoughalready | June 01, 2008 at 10:09 AM