That is what Arlene K is calling the Uniland Development proposal for Gates Circle. Though the developer has yet to unveil their proposed design for a condominium building, terrified residents are already gearing up for battle. Citizens Against Site Pollution has started an online petition and has collected over 1700 signatures from those opposed to replacing the ehistorici Park Lane restaurant built in 1971. Here are a few of the gem comments:
Valerie V: Please save my light!
Judy Z: The structure as planned would be absolutely awful.
Maxine I: Don’t tear dwn [sic] this land mark.
William S: Mr. Olmsted would be rolling in his grave to see a high rise on Gates Circle, Just say NO!!!
Pam S: Gates Circle has many historic vistas..please don’t interrupt with anything NEW!
Phyllis L: The traffic would be a terrible problem
Aaron E:I like buffalo the way it is…
Leslie S: Preserve the integrity of the skyline!
Thelma G: The people have spoken!
Sam L: Its time we take back our city
Elizabeth B: Please preserve this amazing landmark restaurant!
Kevin M: Aesthetically unpleasing!
Joan C: Wrong size, wrong scale, wrong location
Morgan R: Focus on what is important – Olmsted’s plan calls for 2 to 3 story buildings surrounding the circles and parkways.
And it goes on. I think everyone can agree that Gates Circle is one of Buffalois special places. But it is an urban place in a dynamic neighborhood. Uniland is proposing a change to the existing condition. All change doesnit have to be for the worse and Unilandis mission is not to harm the neighborhood. In fact, the firm has put together a solid design team for their project and has stated they intend to be extremely sensitive to the surrounding area.
Many residents were rightfully appalled at Walgreenis recent plans (since withdrawn) for a nearby site due to what many expected would be a suburban-style development. Uniland is proposing a etalli building in an urban setting adjacent to other etalli buildings. Can we at least wait until a design is unveiled before lines are drawn in the sand? The petition organizers are at least up-front on why they are upset with this proposal. It is clearly stated on the petition which was written by attorney Carol D. Collard: iNumerous residences in adjacent buildings would lose their light, air and view.i Carolis mailing address? You guessed it- 33 Gates Circle, the adjacent Park Lane building.
From Wordspy.com:
CAVEs (cayvz) n. A group of people who routinely oppose new real estate developments and other projects that they believe will harm their local area. Acronym based on the phrase citizens against virtually everything. Also: CAVE people or CAVE dwellers.
Photo: Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle overlooking Olmsted-designed Central Park in NYC