City, county redistricting may impact West Side

 Every decade the census data are released to the government, counties and cities are then forced to redraw districts to fit the census numbers. Erie County is going to downsize its Legislatures from 15 to 11 and redrawing district lines West Side residents could see a decrease in representation. Full story.

Grant St. crosswalk project still grounded

Artist's rendering of proposed crosswalk design

 With a national conference coming to town, local activists are trying to paint five Grant Street intersections in an effort to brighten up the area. That doesn't sound too complicated, but the Department of Public Works still hasn't approved the plan, even though the National Preservation Conference arrives in October. Activist Cornelia Dohse-Peck said the whole situation is “mysteriously complicated.”Full story.

Richardson Complex project moving ahead

 It is a valuable piece of Buffalo architecture plagued by decay and vandals. The Richardson complex is currently surrounded by tree stumps and wire fences. It is now once step closer to being restored to its former glory by bill that would transfer ownership of the property to the Richardson Center Corp. The organization has big plans for the property that include making this unique building into a hub of tourism in Buffalo.Full story

Union protests closing of Mattina health center

Union protesters at the Mattina health center

 Kaleida Health, a Western New York healthcare provider, has made a controversial decision to close the Judge Joseph S. Mattina Community Health Center on Niagara Street. West Side community members, as well as healthcare workers and union members, protested the decision outside the center on Monday. Despite the protest’s sizable turnout, it is unlikely that reasonable negotiations will be made. The Mattina Center will downsize its staff and fall under new management should Kaleida follow through on its decision, leaving many to wonder how this will effect the West Side. Full story

Rising gas prices forcing business' hand

Prish Moran serves up some coffee

 The rising gas prices around the United States have hit the West Side and its businesses already. With Buffalo’s average price for a gallon of gas nearing $4, some businesses are forced to make tough decisions that might affect West Side residents’ wallets. Full story

Organizations fight to stop budget cuts

 Federal budget cuts have affected many different organizations in Western New York. It can be argued that perhaps no other type will be affected more than not-for-profit organizations on the West Side. But these organizations are trying come up with ways to counter these budget cuts by lobbying officials and holding rallies. Full story

Housing service nabs redevelopment grant

 While foreclosures continue at a frightening pace throughout the United States, West Side Neighborhood Housing Services is hoping a new $68,150 grant will help slow that pace in the community. Teaching new homebuyers the basics of home owning will undoubtedly go a long way in decreasing the foreclosure rate. The grant came from NeighborWorks America and is completely funded through taxpayer dollars. It will also be used to rehabilitate current homes that are in dire need of improvements. Full story