On Saturday, February 23rd, members of the community will come together to draft a public statement regarding Children’s Hospital expansion plans. The hospital recently went before the Preservation Board to request that a house on West Utica come down for additional parking. Board member, Tim Tielman, told me that the board was reluctant to give the hospital their blessing. “Since it is not in a preservation district,” he said. “Our board cannot stop the action. All city demolition requests must come before the board… we said that we don’t recommend demolition of the building. That statement (paperwork) will have to be included when they go before the Planning Department. My thought on the matter is, why can’t they build upon the existing parking ramp? Rather than taking down more houses in the neighborhood, we should be looking at alternative solutions. If the ramp is built up, then the existing surface lots that have been a burden on that neighborhood could be built upon for residential and commercial purposes. Then, the property values in the neighborhood would go up.
“There are tons of examples of really great farout parking ramps that would adequately serve the hospital, the neighbors and the commercial district (here’s more). That is the biggest piece of developable land along all of Elmwood. We don’t need more surface parking… especially if the hospital wants to knock down perfectly good houses. One of the things that makes Children’s such a nice hospital is the fact that it is located in such a great neighborhood. The strength of the neighborhood is something that they should build upon. The houses on West Utica have already been adversely affected by the surface lots that exist. The neighborhood groups should be promoting alternate solutions that take that ugly parking ramp and build it up. You’re only limited by your imagination. The doctor’s parking lot at the corner of Elmwood and Bryant should be built upon for mixed use as well (see Roger Schroeder’s idea). The City should be working with the neighborhood on how to create more parking at the ramp location. That ramp looks like Darth Vader’s garage. The current plan is not the best path to take for anyone. The City really needs to get involved and find a common solution for that ramp. And don’t forget about the people who want to park their bikes.”
The 2nd Community Planning Meeting will take place at the American Red Cross 786 Delaware (10am-12pm) February 23rd. Coffee will be served.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com