BRO on BFO: News Sources, Mark Heats Up about Online Anonymity, UB’s Physical Plan, Yoga on Grant, Zonies on November 3rd, 2009

This was a rather spirited week for the Buffalo Rising Roundtable in Studio B with WBFO News Director Mark Scott.


There was yelling...or close to it, and argument, and then some pretty good laughs.  In talking about the panel Newell and I will be sitting on come Thursday night, Mark got all fired up about anonymous commenters who act trollish, and addressed one in our pre-recorded podcast.  It was sort of exciting to see our mild-mannered friend take issue with something he sees as wrong - when it goes after individuals with unsubstantial claims.  You have to hear it...

Newell and I went toe-to-toe again about the release of the Comprehensive Physical Plan for UB's three campuses.  But because Mark suggested that he thinks most people read this weekly posting to glean information rather than listening to the podcast, I'm not going to give it all away. If you want to hear about it, you know where to go (link above).

Then we talked about yoga on Grant Street (I hadn't posted about Veda Yoga Space on Hertel until after we recorded the podcast), and other happenings and businesses there.  

Finally Newell clued us in on Zonies at 1122 Elmwood, near Forest.  It seems the name "Zonies" is a derivative of calzones, and according to Newell, Zonies will pack them with anything including a spaghetti dinner, shepherd's pie, mac and cheese.  "Think of your favorite thing," Newell said, "if it's not on the menu, that can be calzone #52."  We like the concept, and we'll go there soon in order to tell you more.









Extreme Makeover: Needs Extreme Volunteers on November 3rd, 2009

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, an ABC show, is coming to Buffalo this weekend, and will announce the name of the lucky family who will receive a whole new house on Saturday, November 7th. Word from our man behind the construction scenes is that with 700 volunteers asked for, an estimate of 2,500 showed at the Rich Products Atrium for on October 30th (above), with AmeriCorps taking the lead.

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On the front end of this endeavor, Buffalo ReUse (Program Director Michael Gainer, below) has been chosen to deconstruct and salvage the home that family currently occupies, but with less than 20 hours to do so! For this reason, they put out a call to volunteers.

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ReUse will begin deconstruction on Sunday, November 8th, the day after the announcement. They're calling for volunteers on Sunday from about 10am until midnight, but the greatest need will be from 10am-4pm. According to an email from Buffalo ReUse Director of Community Programs Cassandra Seawell: You do not have to volunteer for the entire time of a shift, but please indicate which shift you will be available during (Day crew: 10-4PM , Evening crew: 4-10PM, Late night crew: 10PM - until...

Contact Buffalo ReUse via email by WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4th! Experience not required, but you will have to come prepared to work hard and get dirty!

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If you want to help, but can't this weekend, worry not; there will be plenty of opportunity through "painting, landscaping or schlepping appliances." Amazingly, the family will return to their property, complete with brand new home, the following weekend.  This follow-up work will be conducted by David Homes, the chosen contractor, and volunteers can sign up with them here.

Seawell says, "Be a part of this exciting and unique opportunity to promote green demolition nation-wide!!"

 

All images: Joe Cascio

Construction Watch: AM&A’s Warehouse Lofts on November 3rd, 2009

Reuse of the giant AM&A's complex is moving forward.  The current phase includes the rehab of three historic vacant warehouses along Washington Street.  Rocco Termini and Signature Development are taking on the $11 million project aided by a mix of historic preservation tax credits and IDA incentives. The plan calls for 48 loft apartments 15,000 sq.ft. of commercial space pre-leased by a growing collections agency.  Carmina Wood Morris is the project architect.

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main elevation.jpgNew windows are being installed and facade repairs are underway.  The warehouses are being gutted and the classic "AM&A's" sign has been repainted along Washington Street. An Eagle Street warehouse will be demolished to provide tenant and visitor parking.  The aggressive plan has a tight schedule with completion expected in April.
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According to a recent report in The Buffalo News, a dozen of the residences have been reserved, including 10 of 36 one-bedroom apartments, and two of 12 of the larger units. With strong interest, Termini hasn't stopped there. Signature Development has the adjacent Lafayette Hotel under contract and is working on an ambitious plan to reuse the store across the street.
 
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Plans for the Lafayette Hotel call for 115 loft apartments and 15,000 sq.ft. of office space. Recently unveiled plans for the AM&A's Department Store include a 117 room hotel, banquet facilities, a food court, and an unspecified amount of office and residential space. When complete, the centrally-located blocks will be transformed into a mixed-use, 24/7 neighborhood.
 

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 Washington Street's long overdue redevelopment is finally taking shape. 
 

Get Connected: Signature Development, 716.861.5385

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Photos: Nathan Mroz (Buffalonian4life)

Johnson holds ‘Amazing Race’ on November 3rd, 2009

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Spencer Johnson’s inaugural and adventurous 'Amazing Race' was held October 31st, at Erie Community College in Williamsville.  The successful and exciting afternoon e...

Elections: Nah. How About Presidential Erections? (Video) on November 3rd, 2009

Link: http://www.skunkpost.com/news.sp?news...

Time for an Election Day SkunkPost sex scandal history lesson. Long before Bill Clinton couldn't keep it in his pants, sex rocked the White House and a Buffalonian was to blame.

Contribute: Add an image, link, video or comment »

Review Mark Gaughan’s Bills Replay chat on November 3rd, 2009

The News' Mark Gaughan will conduct today's Bills Replay live chat on the BillBoard blog. Gaughan is sitting in for the vacationing Allen Wilson. The chat kicks off at 11 a.m.

Syracuse WR Williams quits team on November 3rd, 2009

Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said goodbye to his star receiver and defended his starting quarterback Monday.

West Seneca residents complain about noise at blacktop plant on November 3rd, 2009

Residents pleaded with the West Seneca Town Board on Monday night to do something about the rumblings of a blacktop processing plant they say has been making it difficult to sleep at night.

Only two question Hamburg budget on November 3rd, 2009

Hamburg's budget hearing Monday night was tame, with just two residents raising questions on next year's tentative budget.

UB researcher to take part in Cornell cancer study on November 3rd, 2009

Gail Seigel, a University at Buffalo researcher, will be among those taking part in a new National Cancer Institutefunded research center that will be headquartered at Cornell University.

Justice Sedita withdraws as chief of jurors candidate on November 3rd, 2009

State Supreme Court Justice Frank A. Sedita Jr., citing his desire to remain active in the courts and help with potential backlog problems, has withdrawn from consideration for appointment as Erie County commissioner of jurors.

Exhibition explores the physics of sound on November 3rd, 2009

The physics of sound through wave formation, pitch, amplification and resonance is explored by “Good Vibrations,” a fall-themed exhibition that opened last weekend in the Buffalo Museum of Science.

Bills fans’ early exit from lousy game seen as helping to cut arrests in half on November 3rd, 2009

A dismal Buffalo Bills performance Sunday in Ralph Wilson Stadium might have yielded an unexpected benefit: just 14 arrests in and around the stadium.

Byrd still soaring on November 3rd, 2009

It has become a streak that has defied logic for a rookie that missed almost the entire offseason leading up to his rookie year. But Bills free safety Jairus Byrd continues to pick off passes in pa...

Marcus Stroud and Marshawn Lynch Launch Hats at New Era! on November 3rd, 2009

New Era Cap Company loves hats, sports, and Buffalo, which is why they've designed a limited edition hat for the Buffalo Bills 50th Season.  


The hats feature a "50 Year" design on the front, with a standing Buffalo on the side, and the words "50 Years 50 More" on the back. Stroud and Lynch were at New Era, signing hats last night.

New Era has had 50 white and 50 royal blue versions of the commemorative hat available for $50 each at their 160 Delaware Avenue headquarters.  When they're gone, they're gone.  Call 716.604.9000 for availability.

Is it true you're supposed to leave the sticker on the hat?