Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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
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Artist's rendering of proposed crosswalk design |
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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
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Union protesters at the Mattina health center |
Monday, April 18, 2011
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
No contract, firefighters cover own health
“The health care issue has been brought forward because it shows the city’s unwillingness to negotiate a fair and equitable contract,” said Daniel Cunningham, the 282 Firefighters Union representative. “It is costing the city and the citizens of Buffalo more money, because they won’t negotiate.”
In 2004, the City of Buffalo forced firefighters to accept one health care provider, which was Blue Cross Blue Shield. Previous to this change, they had the option of choosing between four companies: Univera Healthcare, Independent Health, Community Blue and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Full story
In 2004, the City of Buffalo forced firefighters to accept one health care provider, which was Blue Cross Blue Shield. Previous to this change, they had the option of choosing between four companies: Univera Healthcare, Independent Health, Community Blue and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Full story
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
BPO makes musical connection with schools
The city’s prominent Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has created a unique collaboration with the West Side. Eleven of Buffalo’s public schools and the African American Culture Center recently worked with the Philharmonic to provide an educational experience. This partnership will reach out to middle and high school students through the use of music. The program also entailed school appearances from well-known conductors and musicians, including visits by violinist Randall Goosby and associate conductor Matthew Kraemer earlier this year. The West Side Connection program was created by the Philharmonic Education Director Robin Parkinson. Full story
Buffalo impound lot in need of makeover
The Buffalo City Impound lot at 166 Dart St. holds plenty of bad memories for city residents. The reason most people visit is generally the result of a very bad day. And the unattractiveness of the lot definitely does not help.
For residents of the West Side, it is not only a place to pick up a towed vehicle, but it’s a long-standing part of the neighborhood that is soon going to see a few big changes. Full story
For residents of the West Side, it is not only a place to pick up a towed vehicle, but it’s a long-standing part of the neighborhood that is soon going to see a few big changes. Full story
Monday, April 11, 2011
West Side awaits status of Grant St. P.O.
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The West Side post office is at 465 Grant St. |
Federal funding threatens West Side services
he West Side could be taking a major hit if the new federal budget is passed that could do away with the last of the AmeriCorps workers. A bill has just been passed in the House of Representatives that will take away $60 billion in federal funds if passed by the Senate and the president. This will affect America as a whole, but will hit the West Side hard, as AmeriCorps could be done away with. AmeriCorps helps numerous non-profit organizations, which use them as full-time workers. Full story
Buffalo schools have anti-bully policy
With the recent bipartisan passage of Dignity for All Students Act, the Buffalo school district has implemented new district wide anti-bullying measures. By creating an innovative District Bias Response Team, the district seeks not only to quell individual instances of harassment but assess if greater social problem persists throughout the school. To accomplish this, the district began training all professional and non-professional school staff on ways to prevent and diffuse instances of harassment. Amendments to the district’s code of conduct came at a time when harassment targeted towards refugee students appears to be on the rise at one West Side school. Full story
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Language barriers hurt schools' test scores
While Buffalo Public Schools have long been criticized for test scores, one aspect of the student demographic has been ignored. State law has required refugee students in grades three through eight to be thrust into taking math and English assessments without the language skills necessary to succeed. This, in turn, has adversely affected the test results at West Side schools and contributed to damaging their reputation. Full story