buffalorising.com has started a petition to support the building of a luxury condominium project in my neighborhood.
A local blogger has asked why a $55 million project needs online support - as if only scrappy, underfunded initiatives are worthy of our viral zeal.
I am zealous about this project. The developer has been my client for the last year - and I'm leaving a great job to go to work for them next week.
I'm joining them, in part, because they have so impressed me with all they have done to reach out to the surrounding neighborhood - my neighborhood - on this project. I've seen how they've listened and invested in doing things right. I've sat in meetings on the project and watched them do their homework.
A large asphalt lot on the current site is proposed to be replaced with greenspace and underground parking. The proposed building occupies a fraction of ground space currently occupied by a faux Tudor resturant built in the 1970s.
Uniland has been a model for responsible, transparent development. I've been proud to be associated with them on the edges of this project and look forward to working for a solid, local family company which has invested heavily in this region.
If you've spent any time in this space, you know how I feel about my hometown and what it took for me to finally get back home. Buffalo is not a location to me, but as much part of who I am as any relative.
The opposition to this project comes largely from some highly influential folks in a neighboring building who fear their views will be blocked.
The proposed building design is narrow, graceful - and much more expensive than if they simply placed a built-to-rights design on the property. But still lawsuits are promised and protests are lodged.
The opposition started an online petition immediately after the project was announced, before a design was even started. They've stated they will do everything they can to kill the project.
I've sat in most of the community meetings on this project and can report on Girl Scout honor that the vast majority of the neighbors are not only supportive, but appreciative of the project and all the work that has gone into getting it to this place.
But they aren't the ones making the 6 p.m. sound bites.
I was thrilled to come home from a weekend at the cottage to discover that Buffalo Rising had started this petition to show community support.
I'll be at the Planning Board Meeting in two weeks - obviously I won't have to take off from work to be there. But most people who care about the flight of population and resources from our city can't take the time.
That's why this viral outreach is important.
You can learn more about the issue at http://www.buffalorising.com/story/parklane_or_bust#sca