City&Region

 

 

Buffalo turning corner, Brown says

Mayor cites development 'surge,' shares vision in first State of City address

By BRIAN MEYER
News Staff Reporter
2/21/2007

 

Buffalo is turning the corner and enjoying a development "surge" that will reap long-term benefits, Mayor Byron W. Brown told about 1,200 people who attended his first State of the City speech Tuesday.

 

In a 45-minute address that was delivered during a Buffalo Niagara Convention Center luncheon, Brown said he envisions a city where there is no longer the need for a control board or a wage freeze.

 

He predicted an upbeat future in which companies relocating to Buffalo will become commonplace, the waterfront will be fully developed, and all neighborhood business districts are thriving.

 

He also took aim at cynics, saying he sees a future in which "a new wave of optimism washes over our community to sweep away the often-heard naysayers."

 

In a speech that was interrupted dozens of times by polite applause, Buffalo's 58th mayor challenged residents to take back responsibility for defining Buffalo's image.

 

"We no longer have time to be consumed by petty differences," he said. "We must be united in our common interests to re-establish this city as the hub of our region."

 

Brown used his speech to highlight two new programs that aim to promote housing in targeted neighborhoods and reduce crime.

 

Neighborhoods of Choice will see the city partner with local banks to buy, rehabilitate and resell homes at market prices. More than $3.5 million in public and private funds will be earmarked for the first two neighborhoods: Hamlin Park and the West Side. The program will include street repairs, new trees and other enhancements.

 

One community advocate who attended Brown's speech said it is unfortunate the program isn't targeting neighborhoods that need the most help.

 

"The Fillmore District is the poorest district in the city," said Samuel A. Herbert. "I was disappointed that the mayor didn't focus on our most underdeveloped neighborhoods."

 

But Brown's strategic planning chief said the new initiative isn't designed to tackle the most challenged neighborhoods.

 

Timothy E. Wanamaker said there are already housing programs in place, including some in the Broadway-Fillmore area, that are better suited to address needs on distressed streets. Brown also made brief reference to his Safe Streets, Secure Neighborhoods initiative, an anti-crime effort that would require state assistance. Earlier this month, Brown traveled to Albany to request $10 million to fund 100 new police officers.

 

But economic development was the most prominent theme in Brown's speech. He noted that more than $3 billion in projects are either under construction, on the drawing board or were recently completed.

 

"There is a new day in Buffalo, and I am here today to tell you we are turning the corner," Brown said.

 

The region's top economic development marketer believes the mayor's upbeat speech is rooted in realism.

 

Thomas J. Kucharski, president of Buffalo Niagara Enterprise, said the challenge will be to make sure that the city continues to develop shovel-ready sites so businesses that are looking to relocate or expand can do so without facing delays.

 

Within five minutes of stepping to the podium, Brown talked about his desire to make Buffalo a "self-reliant" city that is no longer under the watchful eye of a control board.

 

The Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse, who serves as secretary and treasurer of the control board, said every member of the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority looks forward to the day when overseers no longer patrol city spending.

 

Does he agree with the mayor that the city is on the rebound?

 

"There is a turn as far as development is concerned," he said. "I don't see too much of a turn in the status quo as far as understanding the fiscal condition of Buffalo and the need for give-and-take from the unions on what we need to move ahead."

 

Stenhouse said if unions don't recognize the need for some givebacks to make government more "affordable," the push for a revitalized city will be an uphill struggle.

 

Early in his speech, Brown recognized the importance of providing quality education.

 

School Superintendent James A. Williams said the mayor recognizes that education is key to Buffalo's future.

 

"I have to give him a school system," Williams said. "If I give him a good school system, I think the city is going to flourish."