The future of Buffalo???
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9/16/2011
I was raised in Buffalo and left in 1996 to be a part of the construction/development boom in Charlotte and Miami. I have recently returned and their has been very little change since I left? A little development, mostly in the suburbs and a few warehouse conversions by local developers here and there in the downtown area.
It is very sad, because Buffalo is truly a beautiful city with amazing turn of the century architecture, food, located within 20 minutes of Niagara Falls (which is another story),an hr and a half from Toronto, undeveloped water front and infrastructure already in place.
I came here inspired and motivated to be a part of something big. However, I have quickly learned that vision is blurred here and change is a something of a fairy tale? I have had numerous meetings with local leaders and developers holdong prime downtown properties and discussed possible opportunities. Some being a city place or entertainment epicenter. I had local and national tenants such as chain restaurants, movie theater and bars interested in the possibilities, and to my surprise, I was shocked by the discouraging conversations?? The local leaders also wish to realize the dream, however, they all have continued to pass the blame on the local politics? The politicians pass the blame on Albany, debt, taxes and ect.
It can all be fixed!!! Fire the city leaders that have had their positions since 1970! Re-elect from other regions such as Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta and other cities that has experienced high growth! Get rid of unions! Limit public assistance and motivate those on assistance to work! Hire better teachers and create job opportunities!
There is a lot we can build on, medical R&D, technology, customer service and energy. We have some of the best private high schools (Nichols, Canisus, Nardin, Bflo Seminary and etc.) and universities (UB, Canisus) in the country.
We have Mr. Pizza! And you cant get that anywhere!
But seriously! Buffalo/Niagara can be great! And I would love to be a part of it! We need true change! A true wash of all current leaders! We need excitment and vision!
Lee
lee | Buffalo, NY