Council takes up short-term rental issue

 Delaware District Councilmember Joel Feroleto is opposed to the recent proposal to temporarily ban short term rentals that has been raised by four councilmembers. He says there is a procedure in place and deems the issue as unnecessary, though he is concerned about the existing issue with many Airb nb units out of compliance with city code. In 2019 there were 580 Airbnb units in all of Erie County, and now there are over 1,000 in Buffalo alone. The moratorium was tabled during a recent meeting for greater discussion. By Matt Szucs

Elmwood Bidwell apartments expected to open in April

 

Douglas Development Property Manager Joe Konze is looking forward to the completion of the new Elmwood Bidwell apartments. Construction for the new apartment building started in the summer of 2022 and is expected to be completed in April of 2025. “We were able to remove the steel braces that were holding up the historic facade back in March and since then, we have been able to work our way up to working on floors three through five. Apartments have been laid out and we are excited at the progress that has been made,” Konze said. The building is expected to have around 50 apartments. By Rylee Shott

Italian group pursuing Christopher Columbus bust

 

 

Neighborhood Health Center Communications Director Ginger Geoffery stands beside the former location of a bust of Christopher Columbus, which was removed during construction in 2020. There are efforts being made to ensure the bust is put in the hands of the Federation of Italian American Societies of Western New York.  Federation President  Peter LoJacono says says the organization wants to preserve its history by restoring and relocating the bust. The bust was life-sized and installed on a pedestal that included four bronze plaques with names of notable hospital officials. The removal of the bust from 300 Niagara St. corresponded with the removal of the full-body Columbus statue located at Prospect Park, which was vandalized and damaged. Lojacono wants to keep the Columbus bust safe. Geoffery says the statue was part of the purchase for the building replacement back in 2020. It was removed during construction, and it is in storage. By Emmanuel Rogers

West Side schools ahead of state with cell-phone policies

Erin Clifford, principal of the West Buffalo Charter School, with a cell-phone home

 By Alexander Miley

Violence is on the rise, students' test scores are dipping, and students are just not paying attention in schools. Many believe these situations can be attributed to the increasing use of cell phones in schools.

Teachers and administrators do not want them in the classroom, it is a distraction, but students want to be on their phones and parents want to be able to contact their kids in case of an emergency. This is a struggle that schools have been dealing with for years. 

In New York State this is becoming a big topic of discussion as there is a bill that will be debated in the Senate in January that will ban smartphones from schools. Flip phones will still be allowed so parents can keep in contact with their kids. 

According to govtech.com Gov. Kathy Hochul went on a listening tour across New York to get input from teachers and parents about the potential bill. 

New York State United Teachers is in support of this bill with  85% of NYSUT members supports banning cell phones and personal electronic devices for the entire school day with approved exceptions. 

Schoharie Central School District, west of Albany, banned cell phones along with ear buds and smart watches two years ago and district officials have seen a decrease in violence and increased academic scores.

West Side schools have their own policies. 

At West Buffalo Charter School, from kindergarten to eighth grade, has a no cell-phone policy. Students have two choices: either put them in their locker or put them in a cell phone home, which is a locked-up transportable box, that travels with the students from class to class in case they need their phone due to an emergency. 

There are medical exceptions to this policy, such as for diabetic students who use a phone to track their levels. 

“I think that the students are doing well without having their cell phones attached to them,” Erin Clifford, West Buffalo Charter principal, said. 

If parents need to contact their children, they are allowed to contact the main office, and the administration will get a hold of the student. This calmed down a lot of parents who were worried they wouldn't be able to contact their children in the event of an emergency.

Clifford is not totally on board with the looming cell phone ban because she believes that it is important for students to have access to their phones in case of emergencies.

At Lafayette International High School, students are allowed to have their cell phones but are only allowed to go on their cell phones at breakfast from 8 - 8:20 a.m. and during their 30-minute lunch period. Individual teachers are allowed to collect students’ phones at the beginning of class periods if they choose.

There are exceptions to this rule for emergencies but if you’re caught abusing it then you lose that ability.

This is a new policy that was just implemented this year and there is an adjustment period for the students as many people are addicted to screen time, but overall, it has had a positive impact.

“The teachers feel heard,” Walter Diaz, assistant principal of the Lafayette International, said.

Diaz, who made the jump from teacher to assistant principal this year understands the struggle of teaching students who are constantly being distracted by their cell phones and supports their new policy.

Buffalo Holiday Market moves to West Side

 

The Richardson Olmsted Campus is set to host the annual Winter Market, previously held on South Park Avenue across from the Buffalo Creek Casino, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 22. The new location allows for a more spacious and comfortable shopping experience. It is expected to hold 70 vendors at a time and rotate around 500 total vendors for the season.  The Buffalo Holiday Market hosted its first-ever Falliday Market at the Richardson Campus for five days in October. Co-owner Jillian Cannan estimated that around 85,000 to 90,000 attended the event overall. At the same time, about 150 vendors participated in the event. By Evan Harrington

Olmsted Conservancy prepping parks for winter weather

 

 

Maisy Bennett cleans up some brush as part of Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy's clean up in preparation of the winter season. Director of Engagement and Inclusion Zhi Ting Phua said that the conservancy has been putting its focus clearing  trails of fallen branches from trees as well as any other objects that can become a hazard when walking on these trails that can become slippery. She said protecting plants and trees by covering them up to avoid any sort of frost from the low temperatures is important as well. The conservancy is asking for volunteers to help with the cleaning efforts. Phua is confident in the conservancy's plan to protect the parks ahead of winter. By Antonio Calderon

 

Events help Forest Lawn mark 175th year

As Forest Lawn Cemetery celebrates 175 years, it invites the public to reflect on a century and three-quarters of local history and stories. Tour guide Jane Hopkins, left, introduces visitors to the upcoming Founders of Forest Lawn Trolley Tour, which will traverse the 269-acre property. The tour aims to share stories of notable permanent residents, honor the cemetery's connection to Native land and highlight the beauty of the burial ground. Founders of the Forest Lawn Trolley Tour will take place at 10 a.m., Nov. 8, beginning at 1411 Delaware Ave. The final trolley tour, Legends on the Lawn, will be held beginning at 10 a.m., Nov. 15. Other events include the Erie County American Legion Veterans Day Ceremony, 9 a.m., Nov. 11 By Caleb Babula