Scajaquada Downgrade/Route 198
On January 8th, NYS DOT Region 5 Director, Frank Cirillo, announced that the DOT will “hit the ‘reset’ button and begin a fresh dialogue with stakeholders.” This is a huge victory for the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, our fellow members of the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition, and the thousands of people who voiced their opposition to the project. PBN looks forward to participating in future conversations to create a new plan that prioritizes the park user’s experience and works to restore the landscape to Frederick Law Olmsted’s original intent.
Wildroot
On February 6th the Common Council approved the Local Landmark Application for 1740 Bailey Avenue making it the first Local Landmark of 2018! Thank you to the Buffalo Preservation Board for submitting the nomination and to the continued advocacy work by Buffalo’s Young Preservationists and the Preservation League of NYS. Securing landmark status is an important step towards supporting rehabilitation of the property.
The Fruit Belt
238 Carlton Street moves closer to Local Landmark status after the Preservation Board approved the application at their February 8th meeting. PBN has been working with Commissioner Comerford and the Dept. of Permits and Inspection Services to avoid the demolition of this c.1876 Italianate mixed-use building and to work with the owner to find a productive future for the building. Council President Pridgen has also pledged his support for the landmarking of 238 Carlton Street and preservation efforts throughout the Fruit Belt Neighborhood. The preservation of 238 Carlton Street also affects the Fruit Belt Cultural Resource Survey which is nearing completion by project consultant Preservation Studios. Once completed, the first-ever full scale survey of the historic neighborhood will offer recommendations for future preservation efforts.
Sycamore Street
Disaster struck on January 10th when 68 Sycamore Street suffered another fire resulting in a total loss of the building. Built c.1843 by Joseph Staub, the property had been vacant since c.2015 when it suffered a fire that caused substantial interior damage. In May 2017 landmark status was secured for 68 & 72 Sycamore. In June, they were purchased by Rocco Termini and PBN has been working with Termini on plans for the rehabilitation of the buildings. The loss of 68 Sycamore is heartbreaking but we are continuing to work on finding a fruitful future for the still standing 72 Sycamore Street.
University District Survey
After successfully securing a 2017 Preserve New York grant, the University District Community Development Association, Inc. (UDCDA) is undertaking a reconnaissance-level survey focusing on the Summit Park, Kensington Heights, and Kensington Park neighborhoods. Project consultant kta preservation specialists will be surveying these neighborhoods which were originally developed between 1900 and 1940, in large part because of the expansion of streetcar service and the University at Buffalo. The goal of the survey will be to determine whether any of the neighborhoods under review would be eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.
Getzville Historic District
The Amherst Historic Preservation Commission is looking to establish an historic district in the hamlet of Getzville. What would be the first local historic district in the town, the district centers around the land purchased by Jacob and Franklin Getz at what is now known as Dodge Road and Campbell Blvd and focuses on the buildings which were essential to the business core of the hamlet in the years 1850-1870, including the original train station at 175 Campbell, an early hotel, store, tavern, and post office at 260 Campbell, and the cider and grist mill, cooperage, and a weigh station known as 1-7 Center Street. PBN spoke in support of the district at the February 5th Town Board Meeting and the Town Board is set to vote on the measure their March meeting.
East Aurora
The East Aurora Historic Preservation Commission is exploring the possibility of a new local Historic District for the neighborhood of East Main Street. The Commission hosted a information meeting with homeowners and residents to learn about the benefits of local designation. Receiving an overall positive response and interested in moving forward, the Commission is looking towards the next step of holding a public hearing.