The following is a statement from Congresswoman Kathy Hochul in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the standard bearer for the civil rights movement and a voice for Americans that suffered through centuries of...
Statement From Congresswoman Kathy Hochul Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day
on January 16th, 2012
Sekera Returns, Brennan Recalled, Finley Scratched
on January 16th, 2012
The Buffalo Sabres received a bit of good news today after their morning skate. Andrej Sekera, who has missed the last eight games due to injury, is expected to return to the lineup. The Sabres have also recalled defenseman T.J. Brennan from Rochest...
1968 King Assassination Report (CBS News)
on January 16th, 2012
 | Walter Cronkite had almost finished broadcasting the "CBS Evening News" when he received word of Martin Luther King's assassination. His... |
Red Wings-Sabres game-day updates: No gnus is good gnus, Miller quality time and other stuff
on January 16th, 2012
As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to face off against the Buffalo Sabres tonight (7:30 PM, FSD/MSG B/WXYT), kicking off a slate of back-to-back games against Buffalo tonight and heading to Dallas tomorrow, no news is good news, especially given that the...
Just Announced: The Low Anthem
on January 16th, 2012
ESI Events just announced that indie folk band The Low Anthem is returning to Babeville on February 13 for a headlining show. The last time they were here they opened for The Swell Season for one of my all time favorite shows. They make...
A (Way Too Early) 2012 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft
on January 16th, 2012
Could the big man from Stanford be headed to Western New York?
It’s that time of year again: the time when hope springs eternal for Bills fans. When we can look out at the class of incoming college players and pick out the few that will turn the Bills into winners.
Of course, it never works out that way. But it sure is fun to dream.
Here’s my first stab at seven-round Bills Mock Draft. The first of many to come, no doubt. These predictions may look ridiculous in April, but that’s okay:
Round 1 – Johnathan Martin, OT, Stanford
Martin would definitely fit right in with what Buffalo is looking for in its offensive linemen. He’s a big, powerful guy with a mean streak. His run blocking is excellent. He’s still pretty raw technique-wise in the passing game, but he’s athletic enough where that can improve. If the Bills add Martin or another top-level tackle in this draft, they can enter 2012 with a starting lineup of Martin, Andy Levitre, Eric Wood, Kraig Urbik, and Eric Pears. They can then let Demetrius Bell go in free agency, and use Chris Hairston as the backup tackle. That’s a very good, young group that can be a foundation of this team for years to come.
A (Way Too Early) 2012 Buffalo Bills Mock Draft - BuffaLowDown - BuffaLowDown - A Buffalo Bills Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
Album of the Week: Ani DiFranco – ¿Which Side Are You On?
on January 16th, 2012
Being a born and bred Buffalonian with music loving parents I have been listening to Ani DiFranco since I was 10. At first I really just loved the fact that I was allowed to play music with swear words but it quickly grew into a true appreciati...
Tonight: Mutant Supremacy
on January 16th, 2012
If your tastes veer towards the extreme or darker sides of heavy music, tonights show at the Funeral Home is for you. You have death metal onslaught (Mutant Supremacy), black metal savagery (Hubris), metal punk...whatever that is (Ravenous) and of co...
Bills Biggest Bright Spots- No. 4: Non-Offensive Line
on January 16th, 2012
We’ve started a series at Buffalo Sports Daily, highlighting the five biggest bright spots… and dark clouds on the 2011 Buffalo Bills season. Our fifth-biggest bright spot was the emergence of Scott Chandler at tight end. Today we continue wi...
Great Things Happening on the St. Matthew’s Block: Part II
on January 16th, 2012
This is the second part of a two part series
The halls of St. Matthew's School were once filled with the
sounds of students rushing to their classes, but now the building serves as a
temporary home for refugees awaiting a new life. Vive La Casa (50 Wyoming
Avenue) is housed in the former school building for the St. Matthew's parish
and has been active there for nearly 20 years.
Vive La Casa is a non-profit organization and the largest
refugee shelter in the country. Refugees come from over 100 different countries
and Vive has served over 80,000 refugees seeking asylum in Canada and the
United States for the last 28 years. The majority of refugees end up in Canada
because the process is much quicker than the United States.
The organization offers legal assistance, housing, meals,
and medical assistance to all those who come through their doors. Sister Louise
Alff led me on a tour of the building which is over 100 years old which has tin
ceilings and hardwood floors in practically every room. However, due to the
extensive use of the building it will be in need of rehabilitation work in the
future.
Although there are many different languages spoken, food is
the great equalizer. Refugees work to prepare meals in the kitchen and at times
there is dead silence because of the language barrier, but they are able to
communicate through food. The organization is also very sensitive to a variety
of different religions, offering a room where all can pray together to whatever
god(s) they believe in.
Similarly to the Altamont program just next door, the
decision to locate to the former school building was due to the price and
access to public transportation. The proximity to Canada was also a big factor
in the purchase. Over 80% of the organization's funding come from private
donors and religious organizations which keeps Vive's vision alive.
For more photos of Vive La Casa and the St. Matthew's Campus check out my Flickr page, Views of Buffalo
^ Prayer room at Vive La Casa which respects all religions
^ Refugees working in the kitchen together
Acropolis in need of supporters, not critics.
on January 16th, 2012
Over the past year we have closely followed the transformation at Acropolis OPA on Elmwood Avenue. The one-time diner has quickly become an upscale destination spot as both an eatery and as a chic Saturday night hang-out spot. Owner Paul Tsouflidis has invested a great deal in the renovations that include a complete makeover of the downstairs space, façade and complete redo of the upstairs space. By any measure the space is comfortable and classy. But now, some neighbors are organizing against the restaurant owner claiming that any expansion will inevitably lead to excessive noise and are seeking to prevent the near completed project from coming to fruition.
Throughout the renovations, you could frequently find Tsouflidis in the restaurant enthusiastically talking to anyone who would lend an ear about his space. As a result of these conversations, he addressed the concerns that were brought to his attention. Throughout the planning process with the City, however, he discovered that critics were organizing against him. "I am completely and utterly shocked at some of my neighbors. I had seven windows removed, put sound insulation into my walls, removed some speakers, kept my doors closed after 11 and required that any music be played through the restaurant's own sound system to enable us to keep the volume at an acceptable level."
"I love my neighborhood and would never do anything to jeopardize my standing in it. I grew up living on top of this restaurant since I was little and now some neighbors are making me look like I'm moving in to create trouble. It's hurtful."
While Buffalo Rising has seen far more people in favor of the expansion, what critics now seem to be misunderstanding is the music. Acropolis is simply not a place for overly loud music. It's a place where a DJ can play eclectic trendy music to cater to the bar. People can still have conversations over the music. This type of relaxed bistro lounge atmosphere with DJ is popular with young professionals and has been for some time. Right now, though, the City of Buffalo is holding his music license, so he is prohibited from playing music until the Common Council decides what it is going to do on January 24th.
Tsouflidis is reaching out to his critics, calling for an open community meeting, followed by a tour of the new upstairs space where the entire community can come out and learn more about the project and have a dialogue about any concerns that they may have. It will be critical for supporters of the expansion to also attend this meeting or contact Delaware District Common Council Member Michael LoCurto's office at mlocurto@city-buffalo.com to voice their support. The meeting will be held on January19th at 6:00, in the Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church, downstairs in the loaves and fishes room.
Going for ‘big one’ here is a billion-dollar gamble
on January 16th, 2012
Buffalo "game-changer" is pushed by governor, but other ways could be wiser.
Canadian executive to boost ‘mega-region’ idea here
on January 16th, 2012
Medtronic’s Fraser supports "mega-region," rather than the idea of two cities separated by a border.
Invest in Buffalo: 408 Amherst Street
on January 16th, 2012
This is the first in a series of spotlighting buildings for sale that could help to transform both residential and commercial neighborhoods. We will be looking at buildings on the West Side, downtown, Black Rock, etc. These buildings are in need of an owner - that is clear. Even more than that, these buildings are in need of people with resources and vision. If we can get a few of these structures back into the functioning fabric of the city, then we will have made great strides in helping to mend the neighborhoods that are both on the upswing and in need of an initial catalyst. Most of the buildings that we will be featuring will be brought to us from realtors who have the information that we need to showcase the true nature of the property.
Today's building is 408 Amherst Street, located directly next to Delish! on Amherst Street. I spoke to realtor Larry Bartolomei who recently moved back to Buffalo from Portland. Larry is a big fan of Black Rock and is focusing much of his effort in selling listings in the district. While Larry was in Portland he paid attention to what was transpiring on Amherst Street, and when he returned he felt that he could help to add to the momentum. The mission here is to find a buyer. At the same time, we also know that there are entrepreneurs who are looking for spaces to locate their businesses. If we can help to play matchmaker for the businesses and the potential buyers who might not purchase a building without a tenant, then so be it. Whether you're interested in purchasing 408 Amherst, or you have a business that you would like to open inside, feel free to email Larry. The following is brought to you from Larry:
INVEST IN HISTORIC BLACK ROCK • 408 Amherst Street • $79,000
Bring this beautiful turn-of-the-century building back to its former glory and become part of the Amherst Street renaissance. This is the perfect live/work opportunity for the creative entrepreneur while generating additional rental income, too.
Located next door to Delish! (see recent BRO post) and a block and a half from Black Rock Kitchen & Bar (post), across from Spar's, and close to Gallery 464 and Artsphere Studio & Gallery, this is a great opportunity to create the next new business on Amherst Street.
Besides the long-established businesses on Amherst (Nick's, Casey's, Sportsmen's Tavern, Spar's, Graser's Florist, Kolano Funeral Home) there are a number of relative newcomers: Artsphere, Gallery 464, Rohall's Corner, Black Rock Kitchen & Bar and Delish!. The old CroZoo was recently sold and underwent some storefront renovation - rumor has it that a cafe may be going in. I also heard that the building on the corner of Amherst and Grant Street (former Experiencia Latina) was just purchased - perhaps another new restaurant is in store? There are several other storefronts on the street that are in the process of being renovated - I can't wait to see what new businesses transpire!
I feel 408 Amherst would be perfect for someone who wants to live and work in one place and also receive additional rental income. While the structure is sound the building needs lots of cosmetic help. A buyer who could do some or all of the work would be in an ideal position for building up sweat equity. There seems to be a growing number of live/work entrepreneurs on Amherst: The people who bought the old firehouse near Grant plan to live upstairs, the owners of Kolano Funeral Home live in their building, as does architect Max Willig and barkeep Greg Rohall (Rohall's Corner). This street is definitely trending to the old live/work model and that can only bode well for the future of this historic neighborhood.
The storefront would be perfect for an Internet cafe which I think Amherst sorely needs - think Caz Cafe in South Buffalo. I love that cafe and Buffalo needs more like The Caz - every neighborhood should have its own little local coffee shop. Amherst Street is so close to Buff State it needs businesses to pull the students in. 408 offers the opportunity for outdoor seating which would add some vibrancy to the street. The lower apartment could be converted so that the whole first floor would be commercial space with a kitchen and two bathrooms.
Other ideas: Gallery, retail boutique, wine bar, cheese shop, vintage/used/affordable clothing for the college kids. This block has a florist, sausage shop and a pastry shop. Amherst Street could be a great one-stop shopping spot, European style. When I lived in the Haight in San Francisco I could walk to Haight Street and buy fresh flowers (florist shop), wine (wine shop), fresh bread (Bakers of Paris), fresh pasta and sauce (Auntie Pasta), dessert (bakery)... it was like living in Europe and I loved being able to shop for dinner in individual shops rather than the large American supermarkets. This concept could work well on Amherst Street as there are already so many amenities!
The storefront was originally two retail spaces - a bakery on one side and a barbershop on the other. As the bakery became more successful the owners added the warehouse/garage spaces to the back of the building. Over the years it was converted to apartment space and needs to be restored to its original form. Currently the interior is stripped to the studs (with a very small amount of original tin ceiling left) and is basically a blank canvas for its new owners.
The exterior appears to have original clapboard siding underneath the aluminum siding. The mansard roof with center turret make for interesting lines on this building! There are wonderful views of Richardson Towers and Assumption RC Church from the third floor, which could be developed into an amazing loft apartment.
There are tons of possibilities for this unique property (which includes a large sunny back yard and off street parking) - someone with vision, creativity and some capital and/or sweat could turn this into a real gem and be an important piece of the puzzle in revitalizing Amherst Street.
Stats:
• Storefront - 700 SQFT (approx) - perfect for retail or office
• 3 bedroom / 1 bath apartment (rented @ $600/mo including utilities) - first floor, behind storefront
• 4 bedroom / 1 bath apartment (rented @ $600/mo plus utilities) - second floor
• Full attic could be an amazing loft-style apartment or art studio/studios, or combine with upper apartment to make a grand two level townhome
• Garage/Warehouse - 3200 SQFT (approx) perfect for workshop/studio/warehouse - wine/beer making?
• Full basement with laundry hookups and tons of storage space - high ceilings
• Off street parking for up to 6 cars (or use garage for parking)
• Huge open/sunny yard behind garage perfect for urban gardening - create community gardens for neighbors or neighborhood restaurants
• 2291 SQFT (approx) residential living space, plus attic and basement
• 50 x 200 lot (approx)
• Taxes $1399 (approx)
Few goals explains Sabres road woes
on January 16th, 2012
The Buffalo Sabres have lost a franchise record eight straight on the road, and poor offensive production is the root of the problem.