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Mr. Mayor comes to South Buffalo
When the mayor comes to South Buffalo to meet with residents you know it's a big deal. He talked about Seneca Street and used words/phrases like:
Spur growth, invest in our neighborhoods, economic development, strengthen our neighborhoods, creating business in our communities. Improving business districts. Commitment. Dedication.
We want this area to be as grand as Elmwood & Hertel Avenues.
Redevelop! Revitalize! Re-energize!
Sounds like a great concept, hmm? That was 3 years ago when former Mayor Anthony Masiello had insight & positive outlook for South Buffalo. He was talking about the Seneca Street redevelopment project. Which was recycled from the 7 year ago "Suddenly Seneca" project.
When the mayor comes to South Buffalo to meet with residents you know it's a big deal. A new mayor this time with an old plan we've already heard years before.
Redevelop! Revitalize! Re-energize!
Talking about a plan of turning Seneca Street into the next Elmwood Avenue is all we've heard for the last 7 years & it hasn't happened yet.
In the past 7 years more businesses have closed, more residents have left. It seems the "Suddenly Seneca" project is better known as a "believe it when we see it" plan.
In all of this time of planning and showcasing with ideology phrases and promises, and with several elected city councilpersons to this district, it was announced last week (5/29/07) ... $300,000 is in the city budget for new streetlights. That my friend is the great work of the Seneca Street redevelopment project! 3 years of waiting and all for a few new street lights. How far we have come in so little time while Seneca Street is crumbling part right before our eyes.
This was written in 2004:
In an effort to improve the visual appeal of the City's streets and neighborhoods, Representative Quinn has secured federal funds for pavement resurfacing and overlay, new curbs, sidewalks, lighting, landscaping and other enhancements. Part of the overall transportation work within the City of Buffalo, he has been able to fund nine projects totaling $17 million in federal transportation funds for neighborhood infrastructure and improvements within the City of Buffalo.
And this is Seneca Street today:
This was written in 2004:
Since April, County Legislator Mark Schroeder has held a series of monthly community meetings to acquire public input to fixing up the social aspects of Seneca Street. Residents have express concerns for rundown/abandoned properties, empty storefronts, teen loitering and suspected drug activity at certain corners of the area. He has spoken about importance to maintain a safe and productive business strip as well as the new blacktop and concrete.
And this is Seneca Street today:
This was written in 2005:
(Jeff) Conrad said he is currently working with public works on a plan to pave a part of Seneca with block grant dollars, but he stressed the importance that "this is not a promise".
The newest of news is that Seneca Street will possibly get a repave in 2008.
And what happened to the idea of a Tim Horton's on Seneca Street? This is what the area looks like today, the same as it did 3 years ago:
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