Crate and Barrel = dull as a rock. Its good for buying forks and plates. Their CB2 store is a bit better. I like Design Within Reach personally. Ikea fills a void in a few areas.

Design within Reach... why can't they design AND price within reach?

The building I work in here in Cambridge has a Design Within Reach on the first floor (yes, first floor retail, settle down) ... guess what? Always empty.

They have some cool stuff - but I don't see anyone buying it!

Well, Nashville also just opened its first Tiffany & Co. boutique. When will Buffalo be getting one? :)

We already have one... you can buy whatever you want here: http://www.tiffany.com

So why is it you can be negative, but nobody else can? I didn't know you're the only one who can criticize development trends in Buffalo here and on BR. Sorry to have posted.

Because I am not a l w a y s negative and I don't incessantly rant about how backward Buffalo is.

We ran into the same problem up on Delaware Ave. in North Buffalo, where the new Tim Hortons is. I was doing an internship with City Planning, and another intern did a design study for the whole site of the retail plaza that is there (K-Mart, the old Hills, the old Tops, and everything in between), basically from the RR viaduct to Hertel along Delaware and down Hertel. Councilman Golombek loved the concept and when learning that Benderson had bought a section of the property, called them up and set up a meeting to discuss this proposed design study which was a new-urbanist styled mixed-use development, call it a lifestyle center if you want. Benderson looked at it and said, that's nice, but we don't do that here. They said, yeah we do that in Florida, but we don't do that in Buffalo. Yeah, we're not good enough for them. As a City, we really need to get smarter on what we allow developers to build. We need a new zoning code, and we need to start telling the developers, look, you build it a certain way, or you don't build it at all. Retailers will go along with it, they want to get into a market to make money they are less concerned if where they are is a suburban styled shopping plaza or a lifestyle center, so the big problem is the developers, like Benderson. Just need to start telling them NO until they decide to do things the way we want them!

Every design that comes from every developer i've ever seen defies any logical smart planning/design. I'm not in a position, in my job, to really make those kind of recommendations...but occassionaly on a Wal-Mart project or something like that during a conference call I'll slip in a "what about a parking ramp behind wal-mart?"...the developers obviously immediately dismiss it. But I always figure its worth a try...and I just don't understand why no urban planner looks at any of the designs from the second someone draws up the first version till the day the development is built. I think the fear in City Hall is that if they deny a design based on a parking ramp or parking the back, that the developer will walk away from building it period.

That's a good guess...I don't know who is gonna going in there as the "specialty grocery" but its supposed to be nicer than Tops or Wegmans.

I hear it is "Dash's" as the grocer in the lifestyle center. :toilet:

Benderson looked at it and said, that's nice, but we don't do that here. They said, yeah we do that in Florida, but we don't do that in Buffalo. Yeah, we're not good enough for them. As a City, we really need to get smarter on what we allow developers to build. We need a new zoning code, and we need to start telling the developers, look, you build it a certain way, or you don't build it at all. Retailers will go along with it, they want to get into a market to make money they are less concerned if where they are is a suburban styled shopping plaza or a lifestyle center, so the big problem is the developers, like Benderson. Just need to start telling them NO until they decide to do things the way we want them!

EXACTLY! I always thought that corner was a waste of land - 1970s-style big boxes and vast, underused parking lots with no landscaping. Why not extend the grid of North Buffalo, and create a new, urban-oriented retail core at Hertel and Delaware? Nope. The attitude still reigns among city officials that any development is better than no development, and among developers and commercial site selectors that Buffalo doesn't deserve the good stuff.

If you have a recipe for hobo stew, following it won't result in beef stroganoff. Leaders in Buffalo and its suburban communities have to grow some cojones and finally say "NO!" to developers who want to build shit, and "NO!" to obstructionists that block quality projects. Where are the protesters for Benderson's projects? Why isn't the Buffalo Rising crowd up in arms over what's going on at Hertel and Delaware? Oh, wait, I forgot ... if it takes place outside of Elmwood Village and the West Side, it doesn't really matter that much. The BR folks care deeply about the city;s built environment; they should be up in arms over this!

I hear it is "Dash's" as the grocer in the lifestyle center. :toilet:

Sigh. It's probably just going to be another plaza, only with a few water features and a bit more landscaping. What are the "high end" merchants going to be, Stereo Advantage and Old Navy?

For God's sake, Buffalo, DEMAND BETTER! YOU DESERVE IT! YOU NEED IT if you're going to survive.

Because I am not a l w a y s negative and I don't incessantly rant about how backward Buffalo is.

Nor am I. I'm just another ex-pat who cares deeply for his hometown, and is saddened to see the lack of progress and innovation in shaping the built environment compared to other parts of the country. Sorry, but tearing down a hobby store for an Aldi or opening another new call center doesn't exactly leave me talking proud. I'm watching the entire region, outside of the West Side and downtown, turn into what seems like a large, generic middle/lower-middle-class, lowest-common-denominator suburb, and it makes me sad. I'm pissed off about it, and think that Buffalo can do better.

Blind civic pride - the attitude that everything is better in Buffalo, or that things are just fine the way they are, is just an continuation of the mindset the region has had since the 1940s. I'm tired of the logical fallacies people use to defend Buffalo; the standard responses of 20 minute commutes, cheap housing, wings and friendly people. Sure, they're assets to build on, but do they make up for everything else? Really, these threads, no matter where they can be found, are all starting to sound the same. You can also predict the responses ...

"Why doesn't Buffalo have dog parks like every other city in the country?"
"Dog parks are just a fad! Quite being so negative on Buffalo! If you want a dog park, go join the yuppies in Atlanta. You'll probably be back in a few years, anyhow, because of the humidity, Bible thumpers and rednecks. Besides, the 20 MINUTE COMMUTE makes up for it!"

"Why can't Bufalo get new urbanist development?"
"New urbanism is just a fad! Fake homes and fake neighborhoods for fake people. We've got plenty of REAL urbanism right here on the East Side! Quite being so negative on Buffalo! If you want to live in a NU development, go join the yuppies in Orlando. You'll probably be back in a few years, anyhow, because of the sprawl, traffic and tropical storms. Besides, the 20 MINUTE COMMUTE makes up for it!"

Jeez Cyburbia relax. If you feel so strongly about this do something about it rather than ranting to 5 or 6 locals who already know.

We already have one... you can buy whatever you want here: http://www.tiffany.com

ha, ha. Y'all wish ;)

...and I am in love with Cyburbia. Such articulate posts!

"Why doesn't Buffalo have dog parks like every other city in the country?"
"Dog parks are just a fad! Quite being so negative on Buffalo! If you want a dog park, go join the yuppies in Atlanta. You'll probably be back in a few years, anyhow, because of the humidity, Bible thumpers and rednecks. Besides, the 20 MINUTE COMMUTE makes up for it!"
Buffalo is building a dog park.

Why don't you read up on what is actually going on in Buffalo before you spout off a negative tirade on what you think is missing.

Cyburbia - you are really picking the wrong fight. It doesn't sound like you're concerned with what buffalo really needs, more than just keeping up with the joneses across the country.

Every post you say why "buffalo doesn't have what everyone else has".. Well not every fad/trend out there is worth having. Some are. Some aren't.
But you are being completely superficial about it.

If we were having this discussion in 1965 you'd be screaming how Buffalo needs more shopping malls like "everyone else in the country does".

Ew, Buffalo got enough malls in the 60s... and shockingly, they're still in business. I hadn't been in a one story mall since about 1993 until I moved here :lol:

EXACTLY! I always thought that corner was a waste of land - 1970s-style big boxes and vast, underused parking lots with no landscaping. Why not extend the grid of North Buffalo, and create a new, urban-oriented retail core at Hertel and Delaware? Nope. The attitude still reigns among city officials that any development is better than no development, and among developers and commercial site selectors that Buffalo doesn't deserve the good stuff.

If you have a recipe for hobo stew, following it won't result in beef stroganoff. Leaders in Buffalo and its suburban communities have to grow some cojones and finally say "NO!" to developers who want to build shit, and "NO!" to obstructionists that block quality projects. Where are the protesters for Benderson's projects? Why isn't the Buffalo Rising crowd up in arms over what's going on at Hertel and Delaware? Oh, wait, I forgot ... if it takes place outside of Elmwood Village and the West Side, it doesn't really matter that much. The BR folks care deeply about the city;s built environment; they should be up in arms over this!



Sigh. It's probably just going to be another plaza, only with a few water features and a bit more landscaping. What are the "high end" merchants going to be, Stereo Advantage's and Old Navy's?

For God's sake, Buffalo, DEMAND BETTER! YOU DESERVE IT! YOU NEED IT if you're going to survive.



Nor am I. I'm just another ex-pat who cares deeply for his hometown, and is saddened to see the lack of progress and innovation in shaping the built environment compared to other parts of the country. Sorry, but tearing down a hobby store for an Aldi or opening another new call center doesn't exactly leave me talking proud. I'm watching the entire region, outside of the West Side and downtown, turn into what seems like a large, generic middle/lower-middle-class, lowest-common-denominator suburb, and it makes me sad. I'm pissed off about it, and think that Buffalo can do better.

Blind civic pride - the attitude that everything is better in Buffalo, or that things are just fine the way they are, is just an continuation of the mindset the region has had since the 1940s. I'm tired of the logical fallacies people use to defend Buffalo; the standard responses of 20 minute commutes, cheap housing, wings and friendly people. Sure, they're assets to build on, but do they make up for everything else? Really, these threads, no matter where they can be found, are all starting to sound the same. You can also predict the responses ...

"Why doesn't Buffalo have dog parks like every other city in the country?"
"Dog parks are just a fad! Quite being so negative on Buffalo! If you want a dog park, go join the yuppies in Atlanta. You'll probably be back in a few years, anyhow, because of the humidity, Bible thumpers and rednecks. Besides, the 20 MINUTE COMMUTE makes up for it!"

"Why can't Bufalo get new urbanist development?"
"New urbanism is just a fad! Fake homes and fake neighborhoods for fake people. We've got plenty of REAL urbanism right here on the East Side! Quite being so negative on Buffalo! If you want to live in a NU development, go join the yuppies in Orlando. You'll probably be back in a few years, anyhow, because of the sprawl, traffic and tropical storms. Besides, the 20 MINUTE COMMUTE makes up for it!"

My commentary along with most other contributors on BRO is much more sophisticated than this and you know that Dan. Your exaggerations and half truths sound ominously similar to Rush Limbo.

Why can't Buffalo get the things you want it to have? Because it has been beaten down by decline and negativity for 50 years. If someone points out something positive about the place the sultans of doom step in to point out how Cleveland has had the latest suburban fad for 10 years and that anything Buffalo does can not possibly impress someone who hails from the sophistication of Birmingham. It is just kind of a dead horse you are beating.

I have posted many stories critiquing the city as has BRO. I am not sure what your beef is with BRO. It is as if you don't want to hear anything positive so you have to attack the one source in the whole metro area that offers any positive news because it does not fit your agenda. I choose to do my part in building the city up with positives and hope rather than negativity. I don't need to prove my worth by tearing down the people and city of Buffalo and WNY. If I rail against a chain or a lifestyle center it is because I think they are silly in general not as a defense of Buffalo so don’t lump me in with the apologists. I have never done that.

The region has allowed its self to sink to a dangerously low place (not entirely its own fault) Now there is a glimmer of change growing in the city. Why do you find that so hard to take?

Ew, Buffalo got enough malls in the 60s... and shockingly, they're still in business. I hadn't been in a one story mall since about 1993 until I moved here :lol:
Again... superficial.

and in your case - whiney.

Ew, Buffalo got enough malls in the 60s... and shockingly, they're still in business. I hadn't been in a one story mall since about 1993 until I moved here :lol:

Chicago has some one story malls Then again Chicago is not Nashville

Aww, you guys don't know what sarcasm is... but the whole 1993 thing is true ;)

ha, ha. Y'all wish ;)

actually more like Y'all wish...according to Tiffany's, the N-Ville location is just a trial store to see if they could support it. And the N-Ville store is significantly smaller than any of their other locations, proportional to the size of the city.

Where does it say that on the Tiffany's site?

Aww, you guys don't know what sarcasm is... but the whole 1993 thing is true ;)

Naysayer! At least 1995. If it was 1993, Chess King (http://the80srule.blogspot.com/2006/01/and-what-of-chess-king.html) would still be at Boulevard Mall. All those people that say Buffalo is stuck in the 1980s are wrong!

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/4755/lgckpm3.jpg




:D

I thought we we talking about this Tiffany

http://www.tiffanynashville.com/

Naysayer! At least 1995. If it was 1993, [url="http://the80srule.blogspot.com/2006/01/and-what-of-chess-king.html"]Chess King[/url} would still be at Boulevard Mall. All those people that say Buffalo is stuck in the 1980s are wrong!:D
DT and Cyburbia are getting very Troll-like.

Again Dan I say...Cleveland

Buffalo, hello, Buffalo?

steel, you act like Buffalo IS New York City... not the next, but the actual city.

If you think we suffer from delusions of grandeur, look in the mirror.

DT and Cyburbia are getting very Troll-like.

No, we have a sense of humor :D

Buffalo, hello, Buffalo?

steel, you act like Buffalo IS New York City... not the next, but the actual city.

If you think we suffer from delusions of grandeur, look in the mirror.

when did he ever say that? All he said was that we shouldn't be trying to please someone from Birmingham and someone from Cleveland that either don't live here or don't wanna live here anyways by going out and getting their favorite chain places for them. Its superficial to be obsessed with pretending to be cool for the sake of making outsiders happy. How many Cheesecake Factory's a region has is quite possibly the least important thing a city should focus on. You want your chains to make us loook cool, call up your boy Wal-Mart and lets get ten more in this area.

But if outsiders are pleased, maybe some will move here?

Where does it say that on the Tiffany's site?

It doesn't, it was on a CNN show a few weeks ago...they singled out Nashville in particular, because that location strikes most people as a strange location for that store.

But if outsiders are pleased, maybe some will move here?

But why sell out our region to lure a few superficial people. DT's favorite new strip plazas are the worst reasons to convince people to move to your city. Remember this is a capitalist country, companies have to want to come here...our government can't appoint the new jewelry store at DT's favorite malls.

It doesn't, it was on a CNN show a few weeks ago...they singled out Nashville in particular, because that location strikes most people as a strange location for that store.

Yeah, right. I'd like to see THAT show! Ha.

Do you know how wealthy Nashville is with the music industry?

No, we have a sense of humor :D
really

All he said was that we shouldn't be trying to please someone from Birmingham and someone from Cleveland

I live in Cleveland. I'm from Buffalo. Born and raised in the city limits. Buffalo public schools, Buff State and UB. I guess the only way I can be more Buffalonian is if I tack on an "o" or "czak" to my last name.

I guess I shouldn't have a voice in what happens in my hometown, though. Yup, I should cut off all ties and not care, just like what conservatives say immigrants should do.

really

Like, yeah! And if ya don't eat da fishfry tonight der dis is what'll happen der, don'tcha' know gutdemmet.

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/3245/motherangelicaattacksbuwc2.jpg

Yeah, Nashville makes money off of silly tourists that think the city is nothing but country bars and we joke about it. We love the $$.

uhhg, both buffalo threads are still pissing matches about the same three day old chain store-lifestyle center-new urbanist crappola.

I guess I shouldn't have a voice in what happens in my hometown, though.
Having a Voice implies being constructive. Which you are not. You're merely complaining, and jumping on DT's negative sarcastic bandwagon.

Neither of you have actually added anything constructive to the threads, but have done a kick-ass job of trashing them.

When have I ever said Buffalo is NYC? Half the time I have to spend time explaining to people that Buffalo is not part of metro NYC!

Any way...We certainly are lucky to have such urban sophisticates telling us how horrid Buffalo is. It is unfortunate that this forum is controlled by suburbanites, Dan and Justin included. Some of you guys should have the balls to move into the city. Maybe then you would see how stupid lifestyle centers are. As I said It would be great if the national retailers would flock to Buffalo but even if they were doing the latest version of lifestyle centers in North Buffalo I would still think of them as second rate urnbanism.

Buffalo, hello, Buffalo?

steel, you act like Buffalo IS New York City... not the next, but the actual city.

Why do you care what steel says, he is an idiot with severe delusions of grandeur about himself and about Buffalo. Neither delusion appears to be well founded or have any basis in reality. He is not one to give any credence to.

I've recommended solutions before. A few.

* In the city, updated zoning regulations that mandate quality development, consistent with rebuilding an urban environment. In the burbs, updated zoning regulations with architectural design and site review requirements, encouraging infill and increasing residential density, and mandating TND/NU design principles for new development.

* In both the city and the suburbs, the will to say NO to crappy development that will detract from forming an ideal built environment.

* Stop offering handouts to businesses that offer mostly low-epaying jobs, for example call centers and debt collection. We need to reverse the cycle of declining incomes relative to the rest of the country.

* Do not extend sewer and water service to new residential projects beyond the urban fringe until vacant sewered land is developed.

* Stop wasting land with low-density commercial uses that only increase sprawl and impervious surface area. Build up, not out.

* Create a "wish list" for desired retailers and restaurants downtown, and actively pursue it. Municipal officials must be present and highly visible at ICSC conventions.

The response? We don't need it! Buffalo should be appreciated for what it is! Stop the hatin'! Architectural heritage, cheap housing, water, friendly people and 20 minute commutes will bring Buffalo to the forefront again! Talking proud!

Okay, not the commuting part. You get my drift, though.

I've recommended solutions before. A few.
...

The response? We don't need it! Buffalo should be appreciated for what it is! Stop the hatin'! Architectural heritage, cheap housing, water, friendly people and 20 minute commutes will bring Buffalo to the forefront again! Talking proud!
WHO did you make the recommendation to... and who provided that response?

When have I ever said Buffalo is NYC? Half the time I have to spend time explaining to people that Buffalo is not part of metro NYC!

Any way...We certainly are lucky to have such urban sophisticates telling us how horrid Buffalo is. It is unfortunate that this forum is controlled by suburbanites, Dan and Justin included. Some of you guys should have the balls to move into the city. Maybe then you would see how stupid lifestyle centers are. As I said It would be great if the national retailers would flock to Buffalo but even if they were doing the latest version of lifestyle centers in North Buffalo I would still think of them as second rate urnbanism.

I lived in a beautiful 18 story art deco conversion for years until I moved here.

Tell you what - I will move into the city of Buffalo and YOU can move to Buffalo too! Deal? ;)

Why do you care what steel says, he is an idiot with severe delusions of grandeur about himself and about Buffalo. Neither delusion appears to be well founded or have any basis in reality. He is not one to give any credence to.


Rural Niagara County checking in. :ohno:

Rural Niagara County checking in. :ohno:

doesn't take a city slicker to see that steel is a jerk.

Architectural heritage, cheap housing, water, friendly people and 20 minute commutes will bring Buffalo to the forefront again!

How will these things bring the city to the forefront? These things have existed for a long time, so why wouldn't they have worked 10 or 20 years ago?

So why is it you can be negative, but nobody else can? I didn't know you're the only one who can criticize development trends in Buffalo here and on BR. Sorry to have posted.

It's because he is the wizard and you are not. Just pull back the curtain and there is our little steel pretending to have all of the answers, trouble is no one asked him the questions.

...The response? We don't need it! Buffalo should be appreciated for what it is! Stop the hatin'! Architectural heritage, cheap housing, water, friendly people and 20 minute commutes will bring Buffalo to the forefront again! Talking proud!
Seems to be your preferred response to your questions, considering how you usually answer them before allowing a real response. On this forum anyways.

And maybe I'm missing something - why are SSC forumers always singled out as being the problem, not listening, objecting to everything, and representing the entire population? It's like things are "recommended" here, and we don't do anything personally about it, therefore we draw the wrath.

Is this some sort of elite, powerful club that has the ability to change any aspect of any region covered herein, and I just don't realize it? Geesh, lighten up. Even when things do change, whether it's happening how or in the future, it's going to take a while. Are we going to continue to bitch and moan until we're fully "caught up" (which is a very subjective concept not necessarily worthy of being advertised to everybody), or will we just be happy for progress and knowing we're on the right track?

Buffalo 2020: "Oh, we's at der 95 procent mark towads der recovery der."
SSC Trolls (paraphrased): "You're still 5% back. You still need to catch up. Stop talking about 20 minute commutes. Etc, etc, etc."

I lived in a beautiful 18 story art deco conversion for years until I moved here.

Tell you what - I will move into the city of Buffalo and YOU can move to Buffalo too! Deal? ;)

OK

Every design that comes from every developer i've ever seen defies any logical smart planning/design. I'm not in a position, in my job, to really make those kind of recommendations...but occassionaly on a Wal-Mart project or something like that during a conference call I'll slip in a "what about a parking ramp behind wal-mart?"...the developers obviously immediately dismiss it. But I always figure its worth a try...and I just don't understand why no urban planner looks at any of the designs from the second someone draws up the first version till the day the development is built. I think the fear in City Hall is that if they deny a design based on a parking ramp or parking the back, that the developer will walk away from building it period.

aaron, unfortunately unless the city dictates what must be done in regards to urban design the urban planner doesn't have a say if it meets the bare minimum (or as is usually the case EXCEEDS) parking requirements. there is no requirement for projects of a certain size that says they must have a parking ramp, just that for a certain size building it must meet the bare minimum for amount of parking spaces. until the city steps up and legislates smart growth/new urbanist development we'll see the same crap being built that's on Delaware Ave. near the Tonawanda border.

doesn't take a city slicker to see that steel is a jerk.
steel posts good information and his urban viewpoint is consistent with this entire site (being a skyscraper / downtown forum and all...)

Everybody here including myself has gotten caught up in all this infighting. And certain people keep instigating it with their negative attitude. I think we need to try and be more constructive. That doesn't mean everything has to be unrealistically positive, but it also means not posting baseless criticisms.

aaron, unfortunately unless the city dictates what must be done in regards to urban design the urban planner doesn't have a say if it meets the bare minimum (or as is usually the case EXCEEDS) parking requirements. there is no requirement for projects of a certain size that says they must have a parking ramp, just that for a certain size building it must meet the bare minimum for amount of parking spaces. until the city steps up and legislates smart growth/new urbanist development we'll see the same crap being built that's on Delaware Ave. near the Tonawanda border.

Hey Hey no using real names...my name isn't aaron, its either bjfan (remember I'm a blue jays fan) or "Pepe"

Actually from a bit of investigating that I've done between Buffalo and Rochester (i work in both metro areas)...both cities in certain sections are reasonably strict with codes for good urban design. The problem is that some sites will sit vacant because many developers don't want to conform to those principles. Each respective city after a while gets antsy to develop the site and eventually gives in to the developer's demands (because there is no one else to develop the site). A good example of this is a Fastrac in downtown Rochester (not sure if it is built)...the site it sits on was vacant for decades, the city demanded that buildings be built to the sidewalk and put parking, and gas pumps in the back. It was no skin off of Fastrac's back but they still refused to conform to the city's request. Eventually the city of Rochester just gave in and said the hell with it.

UB will get the spotlight this weekend. The man's basketball team will host the #2 Pitt Panthers at Alumni. Should be fun..

Hey Hey no using real names...my name isn't aaron, itsbjfan (remember I'm a blue jays fan)

Ooohh...I ahhh...I get it now. I thought bj stood for something else. Ok

Ooohh...I ahhh...I get it now. I thought bj stood for something else. Ok

haha yeah...i have to post what it really stands for every couple months, just to clarify to for someone that doesn't know. Most of the time people say "yeah right a blue jays fan hahaha good one" And if you didn't know, I'm buffalo716 over on SSP, leets.

I get paid to put up Christmas trees. Sweet.

Holy shit, you guys get hosed for insurance in New York.

I just changed my insurance back to Tennessee about 5 minutes ago...

For full coverage on a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's $408 dollars per 6 months.

In New York, it was $672 for six months... for liability only.

Jesus, I even feel bad for you guys.

... and the shit posts continue

How is it shit? You want to see the paperwork from Nationwide? It's not shit; it's ... well, ouch. What is driving up insurance costs in NYS? The city?

Holy shit, you guys get hosed for insurance in New York.

I just changed my insurance back to Tennessee about 5 minutes ago...

For full coverage on a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's $408 dollars per 6 months.

In New York, it was $672 for six months... for liability only.

Jesus, I even feel bad for you guys.

Ur right that our insurance is relatively high...The reason why auto insurance is high in NYS is because half of the entire nation's auto insurance fraud happens in NYC/Long Island....but honestly they've come down a bit with some recent legislation to cut down on fraud. Its kind of like how airfares at BNIA have come down over the last ten years. For my 97 Grand Am GT...I pay $250 per 6 month with just liability. For my 92 Prelude VTec...I pay $450 per 6 months with full coverage. So i guess it depends on your insurance company and the vehicle you have.

The bigger question is, when are you getting a new car?

Who, me?

I wouldn't dare drive my nice car in the winter up here. She's in the garage back home in le Nash. I thought everyone up here had winter cars?

When I talked to my agent here today, she said NYS is paying out the nose because insurance regulations in NY are the most stringent in the nation (that's not really a surprise) and because of 9/11. If we're paying that much because of a disaster in NYC, that's just shitty.

I honestly never knew it was so high here - I thought the $100+ a month was normal because when I was in college in Birmingham, I was on my mom's insurance and it wasn't that much as a student. Imagine the sticker shock I encountered today when I found out that wasn't so!

Holy shit, you guys get hosed for insurance in New York.

I just changed my insurance back to Tennessee about 5 minutes ago...

For full coverage on a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's $408 dollars per 6 months.

In New York, it was $672 for six months... for liability only.

Jesus, I even feel bad for you guys.

My insurance went from $960/yr to $718/yr (25% drop) for the same coverage when I moved from NH. Went up to $762 at the latest semi-annual renewal, though. In both cases I was over 25, only registered driver, same vehicle, etc.

All depends on various factors, NY probably has a higher claims rate due to population, density, vehicle value, etc. And I'm sure there's a bullshit factor as well (it is NY, after all). Though those don't explain NH's high rates, without the assumption that MA drivers (which infest NH) are the world's worst.

There is one cost thing that NYS has going for it over most states...we don't tax the value of someone's car, in our semi-socialist state government i woulda thought that would be the first domino to fall. But I guess not, thankfully.

I recommend everyone buy the new Book GardenWalk Buffalo....Beautiful!

I recommend everyone buy the new Book GardenWalk Buffalo....Beautiful!


If you haven't read it yet, I'd recommend "Power Failure", very well researched book about why Buffalo has become what it is.

Ah, speaking of Buffalo’s “image” nothing like having Lou Dobbs coming to the rescue!

The Buffalo News
December 7, 2006 Thursday
CENTRAL EDITION


Dobbs says Buffalo typifies woes;
CNN telecast cites blows to U.S. middle class from outsourcing, state of health care, schools

By Mark Sommer - NEWS STAFF REPORTER


CNN host Lou Dobbs held a "town hall meeting" in Buffalo Wednesday night, with Mayor Byron W. Brown and others discussing the discouraging state of health care, public education, corporate outsourcing and other issues confronting the middle class.

The hourlong, special edition of "Lou Dobbs Tonight" -- CNN's most widely watched program -- was titled "War on the Middle Class," also the name of Dobbs' new, best-selling book. The program was filmed in Asbury Hall at The Church on Delaware Avenue, and is to air at 7 p.m. today.

Dobbs, who also has a syndicated radio program and is a columnist, stood or walked around a red and blue-colored oval-shaped carpet encircled by an invited audience of 124.

Dobbs said Buffalo was the perfect place to put a spotlight on tough financial times.

"Buffalo is representative of so many forces that are overwhelming the American people, whether it's the loss of jobs, schools that are failing our young people or the changing nature of a globalized society," Dobbs said in an interview earlier in the day.

Several local speakers chosen beforehand aired concerns.

Amy Kedron, a doctoral candidate in American studies at the University at Buffalo, and a founder of the local nonprofit Buffalo First, wondered why government subsidies that flow to corporate America can't be redirected to small businesses to help sustain local communities.

Rita Sell, with 4 1/2-year-old son Scotty, who suffers from epilepsy and cerebral palsy, said her family was forced to pay $600 to $1,000 a month for medications even with health insurance, while being denied helpful technologies.

Edwin Martinez, president of the Spanish Alliance of Western New York, wondered what could be done to improve the quality of education in cities where, he said, too many children fail.

Joining Dobbs at different times were Mayor Brown, Dr. Henry Simmons of the National Coalition of Health Care and UB economics professor emeritus Lawrence Southwick. Other floor participants included Buffalo School Superintendent James A. Williams.

Earlier, Dobbs told The Buffalo News that people should reject political orthodoxy and put aside wedge issues such as abortion, gay marriage and gun control in favor of issues more central to people's lives such as education, health care and jobs.

A longtime Republican who now calls himself an "independent populist," Dobbs has become identified in recent months with his opposition to illegal immigration and amnesty for illegal aliens. He has been called xenophobic by critics, a stance he readily rejects.

"We are the most regionally diverse society on the face of the earth. We don't have to prove anything to anyone about our capacity for tolerance. One million illegal immigrants come into the U.S. every year, and no [other country] even comes close to that," Dobbs said.

He faulted those who believe "there should be an unending supply of cheap labor and a permanent underclass in this country, to the benefit of employers and the great burden of taxpaying, middle-class Americans."

If you haven't read it yet, I'd recommend "Power Failure", very well researched book about why Buffalo has become what it is.

umm, unless the buffalo/wny forumers have been living under a rock for the past 50years I think they all have a pretty good idea of how buffalo got to its current state.
however, I'm a firm believer that the darkest days are behind.

yeah that lou dobbs thing was totally pre-scripted with pre-screened and selected audience members. total sham.

'power failure' is an excellent book.


it actually adds some credence to something i've pointed out many a times...you are all a little right and a little wrong.

it actually adds some credence to something i've pointed out many a times...you are all a little right and a little wrong.
Everyone in the human race is a little right and a little wrong.

:)

I think Lou Dobbs' report was excellent. Of Course, Buffalo Rising has their titties in a twist. That's even better :D

Of course, it was more a commentary on the sad state of the entire country's middle class - not just Buffalo.

Also, I'm wondering, if the report played up Buffalo being such a bad place, why were so many local politicians there in the middle of it all? Could the mayor and others believe that there are actually problems in this area? How dare they!

Since I'm so bored down here in the downtown, I'm also wondering... was this show really pre-scripted? Or again, is it just the Brisers with their twisted titties? The real newspaper didn't mention anything of the sort, and if it reflected too badly on the area, why again would the mayor and others participate?

Everyone in the human race is a little right and a little wrong.
well ok... except DT. He's mostly just wrong. ;)

Did you actually watch the show DT or are you throwing out random leading questions to try and prove one of your negative jabs.

I did not see the show. However i do know the audience was hand-selected by his team. And most shows like that would never actually allow unscripted live questions. I'm sure the questions were all blessed by Louey beforehand.

As for the Mayor and friends... not sure if they were even allowed to speak!

I did watch a Lou Dobbs bit on Buffalo 2 years ago during the county budget crisis. And the report was soooo skewed into left field, it was embarassing. It's like he really hadn't looked into what was going on here at all, and just took a headline and morphed it into his own opinion about WNY.

It was really poor journalism.

No, I watched it when it re-aired late Thursday night. I'm a big fan of CNN's evening block - Paula Zahn especially. I do find Lou to be a bit xenophobic, but even you die hard boosters have to admit - a lot of his comments about Buffalo were spot on. Byron Brown wouldn't have allowed such a a show to happen if they were not.

Byron Brown was pretty smooth and impressive for a mayor when being interviewed. Those economists seem to like a lot of the things B.B. is doing as mayor.

No, I watched it when it re-aired late Thursday night. I'm a big fan of CNN's evening block - Paula Zahn especially. I do find Lou to be a bit xenophobic, but even you die hard boosters have to admit - a lot of his comments about Buffalo were spot on. Byron Brown wouldn't have allowed such a a show to happen if they were not.

Where Lou Dobbs does best is in highlighting corporate greed & the outsourcing of so many jobs overseas. Where Dobbs falls down is in his constant immigrant bashing. Really, if illegal immigration is what is ruining America, than places like NYC, LA, the Bay Area, Chicago, Miami, & Atlanta would be economic basket cases & places like Buffalo would be booming. Buffalo’s about the very worst place to try to make a case for the notion that the US would be doing much better without immigrants!

^ the issue isn't about immigrants in general, not one person is anti-immigrants...its about illegals only. By illegal I mean those that are using services and not paying taxes, working for slave wages, and not on the books. And I don't make the connection that your are trying to make between the amount of illegals flowing into the southwest and Buffalo's economic situation. IMO if you are pro-illegal immigration you are pro-slavery...paying people $1/hour is the modern day version of it. Lou Dobbs is the furthest thing from anti-immigrant, anyone trying to make that argument has a total misunderstanding of the issue. I see him constantly call for an increase in LEGAL immigration. And still to this day I have not heard a rationalization for why we should leave the borders open for drugs and illegals to flow uncontrolled accross. bayviews, I would find it interesting if you could try to put forth an argument for this because I just don't see it.

Prairie Home Companion was in Buff recently too. Did we talk about that yet?

Eww, no. Who listens to NPR? :D

well ok... except DT. He's mostly just wrong. ;)



:lol:

I am not fluent in Buffalospeak :(

I am not fluent in Buffalospeak :(

pop, wings, beef on 'weck, loganberry, scajaquada...that's Buffalospeak

Can someone tell me where on the map Buffalo's main train station is located at?My friend needs to catch a train from buffalo to toronto but he doesn't know where the train station is as he's coming from europe via new york.

thank you

Can someone tell me where on the map Buffalo's main train station is located at?My friend needs to catch a train from buffalo to toronto but he doesn't know where the train station is as he's coming from europe via new york.

thank you

Amtrak station is near Main Street & Exchange Street in Downtown Buffalo.

(You make recognize this train station from an episode of 7th heaven...yes i did watch it when i was in 9th grade, Jessica Biel was so hot)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d29/bjfan82/buffalo/amtrakstationcopy.jpg

Eww, no. Who listens to NPR? :D

No one in Cheektowaga

The cheap amtrack station was on 7th heaven?

another question - what is 7th heaven? a teen drama? if so I hate it. As well as the following:

The OC
Laguna Beach (worst script and worst non scripted show every)
The Hills (knock-off of Laguna Beach)
One Tree Hill
That mountain show, when the single father moves to some town in the rockies
some others to but i don't feel like listing them

I do. I love the Sunday block of programing - Car Talk, Wait, wait, Don't tell me, everything...

But then again, I'm not a Cheektowookie.

lol

I do. I love the Sunday block of programing - Car Talk, Wait, wait, Don't tell me, everything...

But then again, I'm not a Cheektowookie.

No one in Cheek.


Wait Wait is the worst show on the radio. I would listen to Limbo before sitting through that dreck

The cheap amtrack station was on 7th heaven?

another question - what is 7th heaven? a teen drama? if so I hate it. As well as the following:

The OC
Laguna Beach (worst script and worst non scripted show every)
The Hills (knock-off of Laguna Beach)
One Tree Hill
That mountain show, when the single father moves to some town in the rockies
some others to but i don't feel like listing them

Well it was a set of the inside of the station. I just remember that in the show Jessica Biel moves to Buffalo to live with her grandparents. They had a number of episodes set in "Buffalo"...I specifically remember her going to the Exchange Street Amtrak station, with a chunk of the show taking place inside the train station. There was a large sign saying "Exchange Street."

It isn't really a teen drama...its more of a family show, pretty preechy at times. The father is a pastor, the mom a stay at home mom, & they had like 8 kids. Jessica Biel gets into trouble with her parents by drinking some beer...so the family panics and sends her to Buffalo so she can't be a bad influence on the other 7 kids in the family. Every episode had some incredibly moral message.

ok.lol.

"scajaquada"

you know how many people can't say this?

hell it took me a year to get it. :)

"scajaquada"

you know how many people can't say this?

hell it took me a year to get it. :)

I know, and now I can pronounce it correctly. I thought it was "SKA-JA-QWA-DA"...

but it is... "SKA-JACK-WADA". :) Kind of unique, those indian native names.

When I moved up here, I just said "fuck it" and called it the Sacagawea.

see thats what I thougt it was for the longest time...because I never analyzed the spelling...DT, you should ask for directions and say that...see the face on the person and see if they correct you.

then tell them you are from Nashville :)

But then again, I'm not a Cheektowookie.

It's Cheektowaski. :lol:

As far as their radio preferences, they're still fuming long after WHLD dropped their ethnic programming and went liberal talk. Sunday polka shows all the way, baby! "Turn dat up der, Stella! It da Dynatones der, gutdemmet!"

If you haven't read it yet, I'd recommend "Power Failure", very well researched book about why Buffalo has become what it is.

Seconded. It's academic and a bit on the dry side, but it gets you thinking about some of the reasons behind Buffalo's decline.

doesn't take a city slicker to see that steel is a jerk.

No. Like many expats, myself included believe it or not, he's very passionate and proud of his hometown; not a bad thing. Although he often gets a pass when he's negative, I do appreciate his very articulate, well-researched articles on Buffalo Rising and other Web sites. In some ways, when you're living away from home, you become even more Buffalonian.