I’ve read this post on Buffalo Pundit’s blog a few times today, and I kept thinking back to last month when we visited Canandaigua. I wrote a post on sort of the same topic as on Free Buffalo weeks ago.
This is a take off of a recent freeny post about 2 little ideas to revitalize Buffalo.
When we were visiting in Canandaigua last week, I noticed two things Buffalo could have if only we were honored with politicians willing to do more than just talking about it.
My first idea: a waterfront that looks like these pictures (below). It’s beautiful and thriving …… and no big Bass Pro. Little shops, places to eat and drink. Green space and water. People walking, riding, skating, playing with their kids, couples holding hands, and tourists like me taking pictures.
My second idea: opening Main Street up to traffic again. I was partial supportive of this idea until shopping on Main Street there. Little shops, places to eat, independent businesses and outlets…. and residential living above stores. It’s what can be done to revitalize our Buffalo.
The main reasoning I’m reposting this is because of this quote:
“I have never lived in a community that was so obsessed with its past. We have lots of problems in the present. If we can think of ways to address them now, we can perhaps clear the way for a more improved future.”
Main Street in Canandaigua is like a trip in the past, living and walking, shopping and chatting with friendly people, like how we only see it in the old time movies. Everything doesn’t have to be new to be good.
While we were there, I asked myself “Why can’t we have it like this back in Buffalo?”
I realize now, it’s the metro rail that killed off a shopping downtown here.
I can picture Main street in Buffalo looking like this:
That is, if only we will ever see a waterfront which looks like this:
Anyways, that’s just my thought on it.
1 comment so far ↓
I actually love that quote about living in a city that was so obsessed with its past. I lived in Buffalo from early 2003-mid 2004 and I have to say, one of the best things about Buffalo IS its connection to its past. I grew up in Utica, and the Utica I grew up in is gone. I live in Texas now, where everything is shiny and new and there is very little past to connect with.
The Buffalo lifestyle is so awesome because of its authenticity. The small corner bars showing Sabre games and serving Labatt on tap and wings and roast beef. The stunning architecture in the various neighborhoods. The ethnic nature of so many of the neighborhoods–the Irish in South Buffalo, Italians in North Buffalo, and Polish scattered all over.
I miss it so much sometimes I could cry.
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