From the new restaurants, to the new lofts, to all the building cranes rising in the downtown sky, a new energy is clearly emerging in Buffalo. But for all the excitement these projects are generating, for all the contributions they are making to a revitalized Buffalo, we’ve not been giving enough attention to a vital, yet overlooked component to the city’s renaissance. It may not be shiny or gleaming and it doesn’t come with the “wow factor” that we see at Canalside or Harbor Center. But it’s increasing presence and visibility is as much an asset to the new Buffalo as is any proposed condo project. Yet we hear nary enough about it. What am I talking about? I’m referring to the growing and diversifying ethnic communities on Buffalo’s West Side.
From Bhutan to Burma, Somalia to Eritrea, to Peru, Cuba, Liberia, and South Sudan (to name only a few), these new Buffalonians are creating an organic groundswell of global culture that brings color, life, vibrancy and depth to the city, not to mention economic revival, stability and a renewed sense of spirit to the West Side. I firmly believe that any city’s appeal and attractiveness is as much due to the presence and prominence of its international communities as is its big ticket, multi-million dollar projects.
One need only drive up the QEW to Toronto to know what I’m talking about. Many Buffalonians who visit Toronto have likely visited some of its best known ethnic neighborhoods (and its restaurants), from Chinatown along Spadina Avenue, to Greektown on the Danforth, to Little Italy on College Street. But beyond these well known destinations, there are so many lesser known neighborhoods – Little India on Gerrard, Little Portugal along Dundas Street West, Koreatown on Bloor Street West – to name but a few more. Combined, their presence and popularity is among the many reasons why Toronto is such a happening place to visit.
But with the emerging international communities in Buffalo, this could happen and should happen in the Queen City too. Yet, I see not enough attention being paid to the potential these West Side communities have as an engine for healthy urban growth and development…and more importantly for tourism. Beyond Toronto, look at any other thriving North American city and what do you find? Ethnic enclaves that are teeming with both locals and tourists seeking out authentic and “home grown” experiences – from eateries, to one of a kind shops featuring products you can’t find at chain stores or supermarkets, to street life with the sounds of new languages and the colors, styles and shapes of clothing you don’t see on Elmwood or in Allentown.
It’s high time, in my opinion, to begin recognizing the value and potential these jewels possess in terms of adding to the face of a new, diverse and internationally flavored Buffalo. Sure, I recognize there are still problems on the West Side, from small things like sidewalks that need repair, to larger issues like personal safety – all combining to create the image (whether real or imagined) that the West Side is still not ready for its prime time debut.
^ The Tabernacle – Corner of Grant and Lafayette
So what will it take, again in my opinion, to make these changes happen? A concerted effort amongst all those entities in Buffalo that are invested in the city’s growth and stability. That would include more marketing of the West Side’s international flavor from tourist organizations, to public/private partnerships that invest in enhancing Grant Street’s walkability, to banks or other financial agencies that provide loans and support to small businesses and start up enterprises. The city is investing in Niagara Street’s renewal. What about Grant? I’m sure there a lot of other ideas out there that can generate both interest in and enhanced visibility of Buffalo’s West Side international communities. I’d welcome yours.
^ Niagara Street – Brimming with potential
Buffalo is so lucky to have so many new people from so many countries that can play a major role in Buffalo’s economic, social and cultural renewal. I envision the day when the internationally teeming West Side becomes a sought after destination for everyone, local or out-of-towners, to enjoy, appreciate and savor.