Buffalo wings, bars open until 4 a.m. and easy access to Canada: good. Brutal winters, a lack of employment opportunities and a declining economy: bad.
While Buffalo may have its fair share of problems, the Queen City possesses an equal number of great qualities that make it unique and appealing. But whether you love the culture or absolutely hate the snow, something everyone can agree on is Buffalo's need for some sort of improvement.
In the past, plans to improve Buffalo's economy, draw in tourism and improve the appearance of the city have been discussed, but to no real avail. Take Bass Pro for example - the waterfront development that seems to have been in its planning stages since wind pants were cool. Now, however, a new plan is in the works and is actually picking up steam despite some controversy in the community.
The Savarino Construction Company recently announced plans to build a hotel on the spot of land at Elmwood and Forest Avenues. The building, which aspires to bring in jobs, revenue and add revitalization to the area, was met with mixed reactions when it was announced.
Some see it as a sign of good things to come, a starting point for improvement in the city, and a much needed boost to the economy. Those opposed expressed concern over the destruction to the so called "Gateway to Elmwood" and the imminent destruction of at least five locally owned and operated businesses that currently sit on the corner.
With unique shops and cozy restaurants, Elmwood Avenue has always taken pride in its urban atmosphere and quaint, locally owned businesses. The implementation of the hotel not only means that 5 houses will be torn down, but it also may mean sharing the strip with out-of-towners and businesses.
Others question how aesthetically pleasing the building will be in the area as well as how it will impact traffic, existing businesses, and stress on an already iffy sewage system.
What's more important however, is that the hotel will, without a doubt, be beneficial to Buffalo. The placement of successful condos and loft apartments in downtown Buffalo is one big sign that people believe our city is capable of change and improvement and not afraid to bet on it.
The four-story hotel is attractive and will attract both visitors to the college and the art gallery as well as general tourists, subsequently increasing the flow of money among the businesses on the Elmwood strip. In addition, the hotel is an easy walk to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo State, the Burchfield-Penney Art Center, and Delaware Park.
Most importantly, it's not costing us anything. The Elmwood hotel is a $10 million private investment which asks for no public money, has an anticipated $2.5 million profit to the city, and will increase tax revenue.
Of course, that's not to say the whole thing is definitely going to happen. For now, the hotel is simply a proposal, only in its planning stages. For all we know it may end up just like Bass Pro: lots of hype and nothing really happening.
But while I believe the hotel is an excellent idea, I think the controversy surrounding it is ludicrous. Those opposed to the reconstruction need to come to grips with the fact that Buffalo needs a boost, and the sacrifice of a few local businesses is not too much to ask. Change is good in this case.
Personally, I love Buffalo so much in fact, that I've chosen to commit myself to two more years in the city for graduate school, and although I love the charm of Elmwood, I understand the need for progress. The hotel on Elmwood will help Buffalo in its own way; it is a steppingstone to Buffalo's return to being a great city.
The city has a lot of potential, it just needs to be tapped, and Buffalo's citizens should let that happen.
