Message for Former Buffalonians

[EndZoneCrew]

There are two other projects going on that you didn't mention including a proposed 40 story tower that will be the highest building in Buffalo ( see this website http://www.buffalo-city-tower.com). There is also another proposal for 33 Gates Circle for a 22 story condominium and residential tower that I believe has been approved. To find more information about the project type in 33 Gates Circle Buffalo to Google and click the link.

 

Good call.....I did not mention them because those are both in the developmental stages....I wanted to give some examples that actually have begun or are near finished

[Sen. John Blutarsky]

There are plans in effect to make some changes to the waterfront, but it takes time to go from a completely industrial waterfront to one that is commercially and residentially based.

There are two keys things there. The first one is plans. I think we are all up to our ascots in plans for the waterfront, what's really needed is some actions on the waterfront, such as actually tearing down the Skyway, not just talking about it, or planning to talk about it.

 

Second. You are absolutely correct that it takes time. We are working on what 30, 35, 40 years since industry pretty much died in that area of town. Just for a comparison, in 1945 every major city in Japan was a smoldering pile of sometimes radioactive rubble. By 1985 they made nearly every piece of electronics in the world and were well on their way to making most of the cars. In 1968 Buffalo's industry was well in decline, today in 2008 absolutely nothing has happened to change that.

[Tcali]

I would like for every Buffalo "transplant" to take a good look at how they portray their former city, either in person or in a medium (message board) like this. Tim Russert left the area to take a position to better himself professionally, just like many people on this board have. However, in a disturbing trend, many of those same former Buffalonians have nothing but negativity and sarcasm at the city that they grew up in. Tim Russert epitomized Buffalo and never, ever spewed negativity about the city that he loved. I for one would hope that many of you who mourn his loss would look in the mirror and maybe, just maybe, think about why so many people loved him. Not only for what he accomplished, but for what he did to the morale of the people who live here. He constantly told people about what a great place Buffalo, NY is and he was damn proud of his roots. I would hope we would all do the same. You will never be forgotten Tim! Go Bills!

 

I love Buffalo and always praise it. --I am however baffled at how stuck in the past and uncreative the city and county leaders are re: this economy.

They should be advertising nationally--BEGGING corporations to locate here...saying that they will do everything and anything to get them here.Advertise on Rush limbaugh.Oprah,The superbowl..whatever it takes. Because this economy is just causing most of the young people to flee.

Its either high tech or power generation that is gonna revive Buffalo. I hope they build several nuke plants and do a serious windpower project(not the couple hundred windmills they have now).let Buffalo become a powwer center for the US.Why not???

We need to stop being so damn cynical. We need to start taking some risks in this city/county. We need to stop being afraid of making mistakes.

I have been away for almost 25 years...and I visit often.Its painful to see the lack of progress here.

Yes the people here are hardworking...but Buffalo needs entrepeneurs with big power and big bucks to come in.What is Buffalo?? the second worst economy in the United States for Metro areas above 1 million people???(and we may dip below 1 million if we keep going like we have).

In spite of all this--I still oiove this city and it still has much to offer........but this slowness,this inflexibility,this cynical know it all attitude cant continue...unless we want to become Youngstown Ohio.

[Cornerville]

Well, obviously you have a hard time comprehending the english language. All I said was it seems that many people on this board have nothing but negativity regarding the Buffalo/WNY area. I came to this conclusion, based on the following facts:

1) Everytime something is posted regarding any new developments/businesses in the WNY area, many "uninformed" out of town members on this board say "What good is that", "It won't help", "Why bother", "What difference will that make"....it just seems that they "get off" by shitting on any good news that comes this way. That was my point. It seems you have some supressed anger as it pertains to this issue.

 

That is true EndZone, but it works the other way when people take a sh-- on topics such as 'don't take our water, I'd rather see you suffer from no drinking water, FU California and other Western states'.

 

I LOVE Buffalo and will always do so, and will defend it to the end. BOTH sides need to take a step back from this issue.

[erynthered]

I would like for every Buffalonian to take a good look at how they portray their city, either in person or in a medium (message board) like this. Tim Russert left the area to take a position to better himself professionally, just like many people on this board have. However, in a disturbing trend, many of us Buffalonians have nothing but negativity and sarcasm about the other cities that former Buffalonians live in now. Tim Russert epitomized Buffalo and never, ever spewed negativity about the cities other people live in that they love. I for one would hope that many of you who mourn his loss would look in the mirror and maybe, just maybe, think about why so many people loved him. Not only for what he accomplished, but for what he did to the morale of the people who live here. He constantly told people about what a great place Buffalo, NY is and he was damn proud of his roots. I would hope we would all do the same. You will never be forgotten Tim! Go Bills!

[BackNBlo]

Been a lurker for awhile, just moved to Buffalo after moving away for five years. My wife was able to actually get substantial raise to come home and I'm making pretty much the same. It's a great idea to get out of town and build your resume experience and accomplishments then try to get a job or start a business in Buffalo. It worked out for us. Also we laugh at the prospect of a mortgage payment here that can be half of paying $1500/month for a crappy boring Washington DC apartment like we did.

 

Also, while living in places like South Florida and visiting Vegas and other boomtowns lots of the people, and really the youth, just seems to be off a bit. Quite a statement I know but let me explain. We pursued the move home because we wanted our children to shovel snow at 5AM, live in an underdog town (in so many ways) and appreciate what they have. It's tough when it's 80, sunny everyday and jobs fall from the sky to grow up tough and able to handle adversity. Growing up here just gives you that added chip on your shoulder to take through life.

 

Just my observations from some of the places that I lived and traveled. I talked to so many former Buffalonians at Bills bars and other places throughout the country who agreed with me. One guy said it kills him that his kids are growing up with southern accents, and don't understand why he gets so wrapped up in the Bills and Sabres, and the outcomes of the games.

 

Plus, underatted but our airport is great and getting better. It's cheap and can get you anywhere quick and increasingly non-stop. I belive Buffalo is a great home base and I'm glad to be back.

[ax4782]

Good call.....I did not mention them because those are both in the developmental stages....I wanted to give some examples that actually have begun or are near finished

 

At least accoring the to Buffalo City Tower Website, the building is approved and they are going to break ground on the building very soon. It looks like a spectacular building. Also, don't forget about the Statler Hotel Renevation project.

[Sen. John Blutarsky]

At least accoring the to Buffalo City Tower Website, the building is approved and they are going to break ground on the building very soon. It looks like a spectacular building. Also, don't forget about the Statler Hotel Renevation project.

You did of course notice that that infomation was posted last August. They start excavation yet?

 

-edit- On second thought, you know what, you're right, that was snarky of me. I really hope they build that and everyone works together to get it done for a change because if you compiled a collection of conceptual art that got approved and never built Buffalo would look like an ultra-modern metropolis. Buffao DESERVES to have buildings like this and the stupid people who throw roadblocks in the way need to be dealt with post-haste.

[SouthernMan]

BUffalo is a great city. It is where i am from. I moved away when i was kid to Atlanta but never lost my love for the Bills and the city. My grandfather worked for the Bills in the 70's and 80's. We have stayed friends with Hojo the head trainer even still today. 8 years ago my father and i opened a Pizzeria in Atlanta because we got so tired of not being ablo to get good Buffalo Pizza. Our menu is totally based on all Buffalo foods we even have beef on weck. So in a way you can say Buffalo is how i make a living.

I lost my own father 4 years ago much the same way Luke lost Tim. My father suffered a massive heart attck while i was on vacation and died at the restuarant. Today is a hard day for all of us sons who have lost our fathers. My heart goes out to Luke who must be so scarred, hurting, and confused today.

My life as gone on and late in 2007 i opened another restuarant and business has been great. There are so many people from Buffalo that live here and i get to talk about the Bills everyday. These southerners love good Buffalo food. I still go back every year for one home game and to see my family that live in Kenmore and Tonawande. Buffalo has probably the greatest people in the country that live there.But unfortunatly they also have some of the worse Politicians. if every one could ever get on the same page and develope the water front Buffalo could restore its national pressence once again. Till then we have the Bills,our great food, and our pride in our city.

 

 

So, I'm reading this thing here, getting hungry for a beef on weck.

 

Long story short...I had to stop near downtown Roswell Monday - think to myself, "Mrs. Southern Man is running her mom around tonight, so hey, what the hell, I'll just come up Pine Grove to Shallowford and stop at Gallas and get me a Buffalo-style B.O.W." Sounds like a plan - right?

Having the phone number programmed into my mobile phone, I call ahead. It's about 4:30 pm - ok - trying to beat the 5 o'clock rush.

Some guy answers, sounds half asleep.... "Gallas". He sounded really enthused. I thought maybe the guy was a janitor or something, answering the phone - I had to ask if they was open. Thought maybe Monday was an off day. Guy monotones, "yeah, we're open".

 

I asked if they would go ahead and make me a Beef on Weck. I'm about 5 minutes east, heading west on Pine Grove, so naturally I ax the guy, "how long will it take?". Guy says "15-20 minutes". WTF? I'm not gonna sit there for 10-15 more minutes waiting for speedy to make me a friggin' samwich. I tell the guy, "forget about it" - half expecting he'd reply, "oh....we can have that in about 10 minutes". I'd have been ok with that. Instead, Mr. Excitement just says, "ok". Click. Was that the guy who used to play for the Bills? One head-slap too many?

 

So Bob, what's up with that?

 

The good news is I'll be up there in July and September and get my Buffalo grub fix, big time. My poor mother can never understand why I don't want to have dinner with her. Like I can't get pork chops and string beans with julienned almonds in Marietta.

"See ya later ma, I'm going for a Mighty."

 

Anyway, I was gonna respond to your statement about "worse politicians" and I got all sidetracked.

You can blame the politicians all day long, but in the end, it's those damn Buffalonians who keep electing the talking bobble-heads. How's that Peace Bridge and the Waterfront thing coming along guys? Thought so. Maybe I'll just swing down to Bass Pro.....oh, nevermind.

THEY'RE ELECTED OFFICIALS! IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT THEY'RE STUPID!

Whose fault is it really that they're making decisions on the future of the Buffalo area? The constituency perhaps? Hell yeah. get rid of 'em.

 

BTW - Did you open the other spot in Buckhead? Mrs SM works there - said she saw one there?

[gmac17]

We pursued the move home because we wanted our children to shovel snow at 5AM, live in an underdog town (in so many ways) and appreciate what they have. It's tough when it's 80, sunny everyday and jobs fall from the sky to grow up tough and able to handle adversity. Growing up here just gives you that added chip on your shoulder to take through life.

 

interesting theory, never thought of it exactly like that. Though i don't think having a chip on your shoulder is something to necessarily desire, maybe more of a "can do attitude" or something.

[Tim Anderson's Lunch Pail]

Been a lurker for awhile, just moved to Buffalo after moving away for five years. My wife was able to actually get substantial raise to come home and I'm making pretty much the same. It's a great idea to get out of town and build your resume experience and accomplishments then try to get a job or start a business in Buffalo. It worked out for us. Also we laugh at the prospect of a mortgage payment here that can be half of paying $1500/month for a crappy boring Washington DC apartment like we did.

 

Also, while living in places like South Florida and visiting Vegas and other boomtowns lots of the people, and really the youth, just seems to be off a bit. Quite a statement I know but let me explain. We pursued the move home because we wanted our children to shovel snow at 5AM, live in an underdog town (in so many ways) and appreciate what they have. It's tough when it's 80, sunny everyday and jobs fall from the sky to grow up tough and able to handle adversity. Growing up here just gives you that added chip on your shoulder to take through life.

 

Just my observations from some of the places that I lived and traveled. I talked to so many former Buffalonians at Bills bars and other places throughout the country who agreed with me. One guy said it kills him that his kids are growing up with southern accents, and don't understand why he gets so wrapped up in the Bills and Sabres, and the outcomes of the games.

 

Plus, underatted but our airport is great and getting better. It's cheap and can get you anywhere quick and increasingly non-stop. I belive Buffalo is a great home base and I'm glad to be back.

 

Great post. Welcome back! Hope to see you posting more on the boards.

[ax4782]

You did of course notice that that infomation was posted last August. They start excavation yet?

 

-edit- On second thought, you know what, you're right, that was snarky of me. I really hope they build that and everyone works together to get it done for a change because if you compiled a collection of conceptual art that got approved and never built Buffalo would look like an ultra-modern metropolis. Buffao DESERVES to have buildings like this and the stupid people who throw roadblocks in the way need to be dealt with post-haste.

 

As to your edited comment, I completely agree. Buffalo does deserve to have a great building like that. Further, checking into the problem, the ground is set to be broken either in late 2008 or early 2009. Not to mention, the Federal Courthouse that they are building looks pretty cool as does the new Seneca Casino. Buffalo is starting to crawl back to its feet and everyone should be proud that at least some efforts are being made. However, things would be a lot better if groups who are blocking the progression would get out of the way and let Buffalo move forward. Buffalo is a great city and I think and hope it will only get better in the future.

[Buftex]

Funnny, I moved away from Buffalo when I was 21, and am now 43. In that time, I have lived in Baltimore, Atlanta, New York City, and now, Austin, TX. Over that time, in all those cities, I have met probably hundreds of transplanted Buffalonians. I can't think of but one or two times where anyone has said that they hated Buffalo.

 

That usually comes from people who have never been there, or were there briefly, on their way to somewhere else. I will admitt, I always feel a certain amount of the comorodity (sp?) that transplanted Buffalonians share, seems to come from our shared experiences of harsh winters, tough nuns, and eeking out an existence. It is sort of that Irish thing of "victory in pain" that permeates us.

 

Most ex-Buffalonians I know are proud to have come from there, and wish there was just some way, they could make it happen, where they could go back. But, you get older, you meet other people. I would move back to Buffalo in a split second (though I mostly really love Austin), but it is a hard sell to my girlfriend. She grew up in the sun belt, and I believe her when she says she could never survive a Buffalo winter. She can barely stand to be in our place, if the temperature is under 80. The economy is bad...but you know what, I could care less. I love Buffalo, and I am not ashamed to say it.

[Chef Jim]

Funnny, I moved away from Buffalo when I was 21, and am now 43. In that time, I have lived in Baltimore, Atlanta, New York City, and now, Austin, TX. Over that time, in all those cities, I have met probably hundreds of transplanted Buffalonians. I can't think of but one or two times where anyone has said that they hated Buffalo.

 

I guess it's safe to say you never met them for coffee on certain Monday mornings in the fall and winter.

[Coby Fan]

This post has some great insights into what gets in your blood if you are from Buffalo, but also what breaks your heart when you return for a visit.

I left Buffalo at 18 to go to college in Rochester, moved on to Richmond, Virginia, Washington DC and now 34 years later am living in the Catskills and still answer Buffalo when asked where I am from.

I have listened to Sabres games late at night in my car in the garage when I happened to pick up an AM station and have had Bills seasons tickets for years despite a 5 hour drive to games. The Sabres being on MSG in recent years is great, but the Buffalo based ads makes it look like the growth industries in Buffalo are lawsuits and leg vein treatment.

I notice over the years that redevelopment in Buffalo looks like a zero sum game. I came back to ride the main street train and to see the redeveloped theater district a few tears back, only to see Deleware Ave looking very run down. (As a Canisius High Alum, this was distressing). More recently, Deleware looks better but Main Street looks empty.

I follow the news from Buffalo on line, and was very excited when there was a series in the News on going to a metro government. Nothing came from that as far as I can see. The Niagara River bridge debate is just silly.

It don't think that business brought in from out of town with tax breaks is ever the answer. Those businesses move on when the tax breaks expire. What Buffalo needs is to help some local people grow business with Buffalo roots. Setting up low cost space for start-ups with technical help from the University community would be great. I was hopeful that Govenor Spitzer was going to put the resources into UB to make it a true flagship center for education and research in New York State. Now once again, when the polititian get caught with the hooker, it is Buffalo that gets screwed.

[obie_wan]

This post has some great insights into what gets in your blood if you are from Buffalo, but also what breaks your heart when you return for a visit.

I left Buffalo at 18 to go to college in Rochester, moved on to Richmond, Virginia, Washington DC and now 34 years later am living in the Catskills and still answer Buffalo when asked where I am from.

I have listened to Sabres games late at night in my car in the garage when I happened to pick up an AM station and have had Bills seasons tickets for years despite a 5 hour drive to games. The Sabres being on MSG in recent years is great, but the Buffalo based ads makes it look like the growth industries in Buffalo are lawsuits and leg vein treatment.

I notice over the years that redevelopment in Buffalo looks like a zero sum game. I came back to ride the main street train and to see the redeveloped theater district a few tears back, only to see Deleware Ave looking very run down. (As a Canisius High Alum, this was distressing). More recently, Deleware looks better but Main Street looks empty.

I follow the news from Buffalo on line, and was very excited when there was a series in the News on going to a metro government. Nothing came from that as far as I can see. The Niagara River bridge debate is just silly.

It don't think that business brought in from out of town with tax breaks is ever the answer. Those businesses move on when the tax breaks expire. What Buffalo needs is to help some local people grow business with Buffalo roots. Setting up low cost space for start-ups with technical help from the University community would be great. I was hopeful that Govenor Spitzer was going to put the resources into UB to make it a true flagship center for education and research in New York State. Now once again, when the polititian get caught with the hooker, it is Buffalo that gets screwed.

 

Don't worry - Hilary the carpet bagger will fight for all that is right in upstate NY-

 

if she can find it

[bills_fan]

Lots of great posts in this thread, thanks EZC for starting it up.

 

I grew up in Buffalo, moved back after college for law school and lived downtown in Allentown for a few years, then moved down to NYC. I still consider Buffalo my hometown and identify it as such. I always take an empty cooler every time I return only to bring it back filled after trips to Charlie the Butcher, the Broadway Market and the Clinton Bailey market. I have my Bills season tix, head to little Buffalo (aka McFaddens) to watch the games and generally love being still connected to a community I love. Bought a palce in Ellicottville, just to have a place in WNY to stay connected.

 

As a South Buffalo, Canisius High grad, Tim Russert was one of my big heroes. I often thought I would like to move back someday. Another poster was talking about opening a business in Buffalo, I always had this juvenile-type fantasy that I would love to Bloomberg a campaign for mayor...meaning make a sh*tload of money, move back to an area I really care about, beholden to noone but my own checkbook, and run for mayor of Buffalo. Then set about trying to change things. Don't know if it would work, but hey, thats why its a fantasy.

 

You will rarely see Buffalo ex-pats down on the city or area. Too much nostalgia for that among ex-pats. Speaking realistically, yeah, Buffalo has had its problems and the special interests drag it down. I often said that a sad statement on Buffalo will be that the WTC was knocked down, cleaned up and rebuilt, with multiple government agencies stepping on each others toes and we will still be talking about what type of bridge to build, twinspan or signature. Just GIT ER DONE, to borrow a TBD euphemism.

 

Bigger problem is that when I talk to some of my buddies still living in the area a general sense of hopelessness or resignation has definately set in amongst them. Its hard to describe, but I live in a city surrounded by cynical optimism, but optimism nonetheless. Its hard to find someone who is optimistic about Buffalo and its future. That is sad. I ask them about projects taking place in the city and the area and you get a sense that noone believes in the area anymore. The values are still there, so is the work ethic, but the optimism and belief need to fuel that is slowly being dampened and extinguished. I am still not sure why.

[dhg]

You did of course notice that that infomation was posted last August. They start excavation yet?

 

-edit- On second thought, you know what, you're right, that was snarky of me. I really hope they build that and everyone works together to get it done for a change because if you compiled a collection of conceptual art that got approved and never built Buffalo would look like an ultra-modern metropolis. Buffao DESERVES to have buildings like this and the stupid people who throw roadblocks in the way need to be dealt with post-haste.

 

If I had a dime for every environmental impact study.

[Gordio]

Lots of great posts in this thread, thanks EZC for starting it up.

 

I grew up in Buffalo, moved back after college for law school and lived downtown in Allentown for a few years, then moved down to NYC. I still consider Buffalo my hometown and identify it as such. I always take an empty cooler every time I return only to bring it back filled after trips to Charlie the Butcher, the Broadway Market and the Clinton Bailey market. I have my Bills season tix, head to little Buffalo (aka McFaddens) to watch the games and generally love being still connected to a community I love. Bought a palce in Ellicottville, just to have a place in WNY to stay connected.

 

As a South Buffalo, Canisius High grad, Tim Russert was one of my big heroes. I often thought I would like to move back someday. Another poster was talking about opening a business in Buffalo, I always had this juvenile-type fantasy that I would love to Bloomberg a campaign for mayor...meaning make a sh*tload of money, move back to an area I really care about, beholden to noone but my own checkbook, and run for mayor of Buffalo. Then set about trying to change things. Don't know if it would work, but hey, thats why its a fantasy.

 

You will rarely see Buffalo ex-pats down on the city or area. Too much nostalgia for that among ex-pats. Speaking realistically, yeah, Buffalo has had its problems and the special interests drag it down. I often said that a sad statement on Buffalo will be that the WTC was knocked down, cleaned up and rebuilt, with multiple government agencies stepping on each others toes and we will still be talking about what type of bridge to build, twinspan or signature. Just GIT ER DONE, to borrow a TBD euphemism.

 

Bigger problem is that when I talk to some of my buddies still living in the area a general sense of hopelessness or resignation has definately set in amongst them. Its hard to describe, but I live in a city surrounded by cynical optimism, but optimism nonetheless. Its hard to find someone who is optimistic about Buffalo and its future. That is sad. I ask them about projects taking place in the city and the area and you get a sense that noone believes in the area anymore. The values are still there, so is the work ethic, but the optimism and belief need to fuel that is slowly being dampened and extinguished. I am still not sure why.

 

I work with alot of people from NYC & I always get a kick out of how they think they are living the good life & thinking there sh*t dont stink. It is funny though, when I actually talk to them about the quality of life. They usually say they live in a small apartment, pay 2 grand in rent. If they want to go golfing they usually say unless you belong to a country club forget about golfing. Most of them said their commute time was at least an hour, no matter where you had to go.

 

A few of my clients came in a few weeks ago. After work, I took them back to my house for a BBQ. They could not believe how nice the suburbs were in buffalo & when I told them how much I paid for my house in Lancaster 2 of them nearly fell off their chair.

 

Never been impressed with NYC, & I go there for business once a month. Too crowded, too much of a rat race. The people on the subways just look beat & miserable. You could keep your 6 figure salaries & your claim to fame that you made it in the city, I will keep my $80K salary & my high quality laid back life.

[Sen. John Blutarsky]

Another example of government at work in Erie County. Anybody wanna pull 30k from the Water Authority? No qualifications needed, but you hafta know (or better yet be sleeping with) a person who can influence the appointment. Anyone wanna take bets that Vacco stays on at the water authority and noone in the legislature takes the fall...ever...? It good to know that it was the Republicans "turn" to make an appointment for commissioner