KLEINHANS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
c/o 34 Orton Place
Buffalo, New York 14201
(716) 884-1914
November 19, 1999
The Common Council of the City of Buffalo
Buffalo City Hall
Buffalo, NY 14202
Re: Hogan Restoration Zoning Change for Fire House #2, Hook &
Ladder #9 at 310 Jersey Street
Dear Common Council,
We are the block club that includes in its geographic boundaries the former
Firehouse #2 at Jersey and Plymouth. In conjunction with the Erie Co.
Preservation Coalition, we worked to get the building landmarked with the
city's Preservation Board.
Members of our block club have met with Ms. Debi Kozlowski of Hogan Restoration,
the building's new owner, to review the objectives and plans for the building.
Hogan Restoration has committed to preserving the architectural integrity
of the 125 year-old firehouse, a unique and historic building that is one
of the high points of our community's architectural fabric.
Our community welcomes Hogan Restoration as our new neighbor and is pleased
that Hogan -- with its reputation for restoration excellence -- has chosen
to invest in our neighborhood and become part of our community. Hogan has
the resources to tackle the re-use of the large brick firehouse which is
such a landmark in our neighborhood and indeed, for residents of the entire
City of Buffalo.
Already Hogan has begun the restoration of the building including brick work
repair while fully complying with Buffalo Preservation Board requirements.
They have removed a pay phone from the exterior of the building which has
cut down on loitering and drug dealing. Hogan has also agreed to work with
the block club and the city to reclaim the grassy space between the sidewalk
and curb line along Plymouth Avenue between Jersey and Porter. This area
had trees, lights, and grass removed for the needs of fire trucks - which
no longer is a consideration. As the project matures, our block club will
be in contact with the city and Hogan to take this on as a future community
project.
Our community organization has a long history of commitment to neighborhood
preservation and working with organizations within our boundaries including
the Benedict House and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum for the good of
both the organization and the betterment of our neighborhood. Ms. Kozlowski
has indicated that Hogan wants to become an active member of our block club
and community.
Our community supports the rezoning of the former Firehouse #2 at the
intersection of Jersey and Plymouth to suit the needs of Hogan Restoration
so that the signature building may be re-used as their corporate headquarters.
As the plans have been described to us, the first floor will be used to house
company vehicles and their office, while the second and third floors will
be redeveloped into living space. Any rezoning for the building which allows
Hogan to reach these goals will add to the value of the neighborhood and
enhance its liveability as a friendly residential neighborhood close to downtown
and cultural amenities.
We look forward to a long-term mutually beneficial relationship, support
their rezoning request and wish them luck in their endeavor.
Sincerely,
KLEINHANS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Christopher N. Brown, President
Carlos Benitez, Vice President
Cynthia Allen, Treasurer
Sue Byron, Secretary