Inner Harbor and Cobblestone District Development
The letter below was submitted to the Buffalo News for publication:
December 15, 2005
Position of Concern regarding Development of the Inner Harbor and Cobblestone District
As a not-for-profit organization "that exists to enhance appreciation of the built and natural landmarks in the Region," the Board of the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier has concerns about the proposed use of the DL&W Terminal, and adjacent parcels within the Cobblestone District, by the Seneca Nation and developers.
We strongly feel that it is imperative for the Seneca Nation and developers to be sensitive to these Landmark Designations recognized by the city of Buffalo, Erie County, New York State and National Park Service, and the impact that a casino located in their midst might have on the historic and aesthetic integrity of the area and its future development as a Cultural and Heritage Tourism destination.
Specific concerns;
1. The D L & W Terminal is eligible as an historic landmark, and is located directly adjacent to the historically significant Cobblestone
District and the planned Erie Canal Harbor District.
2. The Edward M. Cotter (fireboat) is on the National Register of Historic Places, located on the Buffalo River at Michigan and Ohio Sts.
3. The U.S.S. Sullivans is on the National Register of Historic Places, located at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
4. The H-O Oats Grain Elevators are part of Buffalo's significant grain elevator collection, certainly one of the largest, most varied grain elevator collections in the U. S., if not in the world. The research done on the local grain elevators was funded through grants co-sponsored by the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier and the Urban Design Project from the SUNY Buffalo School of
Architecture and Planning. The research led to a Multiple Property Listing for Buffalo's remaining grain elevators and National Register designations for the Wollenberg Grain and Seed Elevator and Concrete Central. This work was completed in 2003.
We urge that the Landmark Society be a partner in the dialogue with regard to the location of the future Seneca Casino and related development, to help ensure that a balance is struck between preserving our past and realizing our future.
Dennis Galucki, Executive Director
Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier
The letter below is a shortened version of the above letter, also submitted to the Buffalo News for publication:December 15, 2005
Dear Editor,
The Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier believes this is an exciting time for Buffalo. Our mission is simply to enhance appreciation of the built and natural landmarks in the Niagara region.Now that development is coming to the waterfront, the opportunity exists to highlight some of these treasures with creative planning. Within two city blocks of the D L & W Terminal are two National Register of Historic Places sites, along with the entrance to the Erie Canal, the 1833 lighthouse, as well as a great collections of eclectic grain elevators.
Some people see these as a sign of Buffalo's past, but others see sculpture and unique possibilities for creative new designs that will exemplify our future. Development that incorporates these uniquely Buffalo shapes can become attractions themselves if done well.
We believe "Buffalo is a landmark city of good neighbors and neighborhoods". Good neighbors try to make good neighborhoods not because they have to, but because they want to. We hope all developers involved with Buffalo will want to make our past landmarks a future attraction as they develop their new landmarks for the benefit of our total community.
Dennis Galucki
Executive Director
Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier