I have to agree that the Democrats' run governing Buffalo has been one corrupt, self-serving SOB after another - and that goes for all levels of city government. But, Giambra's work in the county was no better - Parks commissioners living for free in a county house, rampant nepotism, ridiculous benefits (cars, phones, etc). The county's financial picture didn't improve under his tenure, that is for sure. It is no wonder people were willing to take a chance with Collins - at least he doesn't owe every corrupt politician in town several favors. It would be nice if Lenihan had the balls to do the same - give the nomination to someone who isn't politically connected so that he is free to govern without all the favors that run counter to the public's interests.

I don't think the criticisms of the exterior are pessimistic--hopefully Hunt will listen and make this building look like the plans we saw here on BRO. Yes, we wish them well and are grateful for their investments--but the fact is that we have a silly looking half-stone, half sided storefront representing a big company in the area's most successful neighborhood. They simply could have done much better, but maybe it's not finished yet. We'll see.

funny comment "increasingly republican/yuppified Elmwood Village." For the record there are about 4 republicans in the whole City of Buffalo, that is why taxes are so high, handouts rampant, and there are no businesses left, so let's refer to them as what they are, increasingly snooty democrats.

it does look a little sterile doesn't it...

Colin and GDC - will it make you feel any better if I just call those those block "a disgusting dangerous waste of human life"

I think you get what I am trying to say. there is no reason for these blocks to be in their current condition. Buffalo needs to step up the police prescence.

If you feel so safe, then walk from Utica to Allen after dark and tell me how you feel.

Colin, do me a favor and put down the crack pipe sniff doggy doo doo. You one of those guys that wants KFC to stay open aren't you?

There are some neighborhods that can not be saved. This one can and should be saved.

I saw you sprint down those blocks after 11 like a little school girl.

C'mon

No part of Buffalo is a "war zone." This is especially true of any stretch of Elmwood. Can we please retire "war zone" as a metaphor for areas which are slightly more dangerous than one might like?

Good business for the corner but what a lousy job on the exterior.

Are you kidding me with the "War Zone" description for Elmwood Av.? LOL. It's far from a war zone, maby more of a police presence is needed due to the homeless, but I've always felt safe walking down there. NOW take some areas of the East Side and YES, you can use that term, I for example had to walk down Sycamore Street from my downtown office one day to drop off some paper work to a business that is now gone. As I walked passed beyond Michigan St. I noticed a group of people hanging out in front of an abandoned house and looking towards me, then tried to hid behind a blank wall (like I wouldn't notice) I didn't want to get jumped, so I had to cut down that side street (thank gawd a grade school was right there and was busy with people on that school day) and headed right back to work with the intention to NEVER walk that part of town again. (especially alone)

Looks nothing like the original plan and screams circa 1980 pizza shop. I'd expect better design from Hunt. Anyway, having a business there is better than a vacant storefront but it doesn't have any of the charm that it did as it was originall presented.

gaustad --

1. Walking down Elmwood between Utica and Allen wouldn't be any problem for me. It's grittier than around Bidwell or Cleveland, but it doesn't feel unsafe to me.

2. "War zone" and other exaggerated statements about entire areas of the city are harmful. The perception of danger is out of line with the reality, and it prevents people from living and investing in the city.

3. I live on the west side. It's been described as a "war zone" on BRO before. Another way of describing it is an improving neighborhood that's within 4 blocks of a college, one of the area's great cultural attractions, several mansions, etc. Please keep your hysteria to yourself.

very sharp, Elmwood needs more of this kind of investment.

Elmwood blocks between W. Utica and Allen are an absolute war zone.... No police, no security, alchoholism, drugs, mentally ill, dark, violent, disturbing. The mayors office and county should be embarassed they can not do more to help these people.

20/20 should come here and do a documentary on this neighborhod, it is that bad. This city needs to mop it up.

Are you kidding me with the "War Zone" description for Elmwood Av.? LOL. It's far from a war zone, maby more of a police presence is needed due to the homeless, but I've always felt safe walking down there. NOW take some areas of the East Side and YES, you can use that term, I for example had to walk down Sycamore Street from my downtown office one day to drop off some paper work to a business that is now gone. As I walked passed beyond Michigan St. I noticed a group of people hanging out in front of an abandoned house and looking towards me, then tried to hid behind a blank wall (like I wouldn't notice) so I had to cut down that side street (thank gawd a grade school was right there and was busy with people on that school day) and headed right back to work with the intention to NEVER walk that part of town again. (especially alone)

It still doesnt look attractive.

I will never understand why Buffalo favors white as a color for a home.

Most wealthy neighborhoods use natural colors and dark colors with natural materials. Medium and Dark Greens and Browns etc adds alot of class and character especially if the property has some brick or stone or concrete worth bringing attention or some shingle work.

This house is begging for window flower boxes and a darker color paint and trim to make this house look less like the 300 pound fat lady at the anorxic ball.

Looks nothing like the original plan and screams circa 1980 pizza shop. I'd expect better design from Hunt. Anyway, having a business there is better than a vacant storefront but it doesn't have any of the charm that it did as it was originall presented.

Nice Improvement. And this is a good sign for Elmwood Village to have Hunt place down some roots and be active in selling this area and attracting interest. A lot of other neighborhoods would love to have this advantage, I think it speaks to the health of the area.

looks great!

not a fan of the fakey stone but overall it is definitely an improvement from what was there. The addition of an office like this gives across a feeling of maturity to the neighborhood. That it might be moving beyond the bohemian shoppe and into the next phase of development. Whether that is a good thing or not depends on your perspective.

It is a nice awning ;)

The exterior did get cleaned up with simple fixes: the new windows and door, the stone facade, a new sign, and some new lights. It's amazing what simple fixes can do to improve the property. I haven't seen the interior, but I'm sure it's top notch.

I really don't think that the siding is white, going past it the other day I thought it was a light grey.

Overall a very nice improvement from the very ugly Club Indigo

It's amazing when a neighborhood, such as the EV, gets media attention that there is a lot of an interest in improvements, rehab, and new construction. Hertle is seeing this also. I'd really like to see this happen in Blackrock on Niagara St and surrounding streets.

Improvement over what it was, looks nothing like the very attractive plans BRO posted months agos.

Is it finished? Are the shudders and flower boxes still coming or was that a bait and switch? Much improved, I think.

I wasn't calling any area of Elmwood Ave a War Zone, read my post again please, then comment.

The exterior did get cleaned up with simple fixes: the new windows and door, the stone facade, a new sign, and some new lights. It's amazing what simple fixes can do to improve the property. I haven't seen the interior, but I'm sure it's top notch.

I really don't think that the siding is white, going past it the other day I thought it was a light grey.

Overall a very nice improvement from the very ugly Club Indigo

It's amazing when a neighborhood, such as the EV, gets media attention that there is a lot of an interest in improvements, rehab, and new construction. Hertle is seeing this also. I'd really like to see this happen in Blackrock on Niagara St and surrounding streets.

Regarding the concrete sidewalks....There can be a collaborate effort from the Elmwood Village, a concrete contractor, and the local businesses to get bulk pricing on sidewalk repairs. I know there was a similar thing done in the Parkside neighborhoods.

Sally, you may be right about median income, but I guarantee that the level of humanistic education (not professional vocational training or business school) and cosmopolitanism in14222 trumps any suburan area. There are no art museums, no professional symphonies, no professional theater groups, no dance groups, no professional chamber music groups, no manuscript museums, very few if any non-chain bookstores that sell literature, or even many good restaurants in Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, East Aurora (although East Aurora has some class at least), etc.... Whatever they are doing with their wealth is beyond me.

I think the city is beautiful..the mayor has done much to help the city. His vision is working