Hogan Restoration - Hogan will meet with the Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals on 12/8/99 at
2:30 at City Hall so that they can use old Fire House #2 as their office. According to Kevin
Galvin, this is a zoning variance, not a change in the zoning. It allows Hogan (and anyone else
who buys the building in the future) to use the structure for an office. Any other use than an
office now or in the future would constitute a violation of the variance, so there is no fear that the
building in the future could be used as a bar, warehouse, etc. That is not in the scope of the
variance.
The KCA sent a letter to the Common Council expressing community support for Hogan's work
on Fire House #2 and their commitment to the historical integrity of the building's exterior.
Thanks to everyone who sent notes and/or signed a petition supporting their project. Debi
Kozlowski, Hogan Project Manager, sent a message to the KCA which said "Hogan expresses
its thanks to the community for all the support. We really appreciate the warm welcome to the
neighborhood. It means a lot to us."
Niagara District Council - A meeting was held between the Allentown Association and Nick
Bonifacio, Niagara District Council member Elect on Sat. 11/27/99. Nick learned much about
the Allentown neighborhood and its relationship to the Kleinhans neighborhood. On Sat. 12/4/99
a walk-through of the Allentown area looking for damaged sidewalks occurred. During the walk,
we noticed a proliferation of graffiti with the word "Same" written on several buildings
(including Friends of the Night People on the Wadsworth side). We talked about council district
border areas, and how Ellicott District affects the Niagara District in the Allentown/KCA area.
Nick also introduced Peter Savage, who currently works in the city's legal department but will
be working as Nick's legislative aide beginning in January. Peter brings lots of housing/legal
issue experience with him as he takes the position of Nick's aide. We'll look forward to working
with Peter and Nick in 2000.
A letter from the KCA was sent to Peter Savage discussing some sidewalk needs that KCA
has on Plymouth Street.
A Visit from Mr. Karpeles - David Karpeles of the Karpeles Museum hosted a reception on Sunday, 12/5/99. He was cordial and friendly, meeting everyone who attended the reception. He was presented with a community service plaque by the Fargo Estate Neighborhood Association and a painting of the building done by one of Virginia McIntyre's students (First Presbyterian Church After School Arts Program). The KCA presented him with a bound, updated history of the area similar to the one used during the walking tour held last February. On behalf of the KCA and Allentown Association, we thanked him for the restoration of the building and the museum's outreach in extending its accessibility to community concerns, highlighting the efforts of Chris Kelly and Ed Lutz.
The KCA neighborhood was represented at the reception by Chris Brown, Shane Stephenson,
Joan Diana and her son Nick, Candace Church and Dinah Gamin. Mr. Karpeles just came back
from Newburgh, NY, where he opened his newest document manuscript museum near George
Washington's old headquarters.
Traffic Calming - We really need to focus on this soon. I have made copies of maps which will
allow us to make a plan. Shane Stephenson has agreed to assist on this endeavor as well as Ann
Angelo. We will need to get representation from each block. We will make this topic the focus
of our next KCA meeting scheduled for 12/15 at the First Presbyterian Church, 7PM. From
there will plan next meeting dates. Start thinking about this because WE MUST HAVE A
PLAN. Nick Bonifacio is committed to presenting and supporting the Fargo Plan, so we must
evaluate our neighborhood within the context of how it is now and how the proposed Fargo Plan
will affect it (i.e. Hudson Street).
Allentown Tree Lighting & Holiday Reception - A Christmas tree lighting was held at the
Teddy Roosevelt site on Delaware, followed by a reception at the Allentown Association, 234
Allen Street on Thursday, December 2, 1999. It was a huge success and KCA residents Mary
Ann Cassidy and Patrick from Hudson Street were in attendance. The event was attended by
many area families. Santa and his elves made a special trip from the North Pole to attend!
Crime - As mentioned previously, several break-ins have been occurring in the neighborhood. In
addition, several neighbors have complained about loud music/bad behavior of some residents at
16 Orton Place. A message has been sent out to the owner of 16 Orton Place regarding the
unsocial behavior of building's residents (threatening residents of the street, playing music so
loud it can be heard half a block away). In addition to notifying the owner, when residents of the
street observe this behavior, they should report it to the police (911) so that they can issue a
summons for noise ordinance violations or harassment charges. Some neighborhood residents
have contacted the owner directly.
A crime prevention/community problem solving meeting between the community and the
Buffalo Police Department has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 11, 2000 at 7:00 PM at
the Hamlin House. If you are interested, please attend.
New Residents - After much fanfare and neighborhood involvement, 18 Plymouth was sold via a sealed bid auction. Ms. Jan Hoopengarner and her partner have purchased the property. They will be pursuing the issue of the stolen items from the property with the police. Their plan is to effect repairs to the property and lease the apartments to responsible tenants and to use part of the building as their office space. Several people have already welcomed Jan and her partner to the neighborhood. Neighbors should see more action by January, 2000 - introduce yourself! Sadly, even after the bidding stopped, thieves stole more leaded glass windows from the stately home...
50 Normal has also sold, for $10,000 to the "Onyx Group." I can't find any information who this is and we should monitor events there as they unfold closely. It's important that we make sure that the Jersey/Porter area is kept up because of investment of Karpeles/Hogan in the area.
Work is continuing on 33 St. John's Place - Mike, Pat, Brandon and Chase Heaverlo are
breathing new life into the long-neglected home!
Work has also resumed on 32 St. John's Place - the burned-out former rooming house. No one
wants to lose the home (we have enough vacant lots :), but on the other hand, no one welcomes
the return of the rooming house - it was deliberately set fire via a firebomb in 1998 due to
conflicts with residents. This action put other residents inside the building and other residents on
the street adjacent to the building at risk. We have contacted the city and are awaiting word on
what is happening with the building.
KCA "Festival of Lights" - The houses that have lights look wonderful! Orton Place is
especially a feast for the eyes at night - nearly every house on the street has a lighting display.
Also of note is 324 Hudson Street (Nilda Hernandez' home which is a winter wonderland) and
Joe Raimondo's home at 325 Jersey St. Several homes on the block of Plymouth Ave. between
Pennsylvania and Jersey are also well lit!
So Much Culture Within Walking Distance - On Saturday, 12/4/99, the Buffalo News reported that the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has eradicated much of the debt that has plagued it for years and received its first recording contract over 12 years. In addition to other recordings, next year the BPO will have a Christmas album released under the direction of JoAnn Falletta. According to a BPO press release, Falletta said that she is "proud that we will be introducing new audiences to this Orchestra and Kleinhans Music Hall on a national and international level once again through these recordings and broadcasts."
Also, the Theatre of Youth had its gala opening on Sunday 12/5/99 at the Allendale on Allen
Street, west of Elmwood, about 10 years in the making.
Inspections - The City of Buffalo Department of Inspections has gone through the neighborhood
and cited many housing code violations. It's important to contact the city to let them know that
you're working through the issues, many of which can't be addressed until the weather breaks in
the spring.