Future development in Buffalo is hinging on a new framework being established by city planners. Despite years of effort though, there's still debate over whether the Green Code works for or against city neighborhoods.
Buffalo's Office of Strategic Planning has been working on the Green Code for about four years. Executive Director Brendan Mehaffy says the city's current development framework reflects 1950s standards, the new plan is seeking a balance with today's lifestyles.
"People say that they want to be able to walk to their stores," according to Mehaffy, adding "They want to be able to have amenities that are close to them, so that means that there's a close proximity... So we're seeking a balance with the 'Green Code'... again working with the community to say how do we achieve this experience in the city."
Attorney Art Giacalone is among those expressing concerns about the "Green Code." Giacalone has been representing clients in land use and zoning issues for a quarter of a century. He believes the Green Code favors developers over city residents.
"I see it as the Green Code is creating a superficially attractive environment if you're a visitor or a consumer visiting a neighborhood or going somewhere to buy a product or to eat dinner... it's not meant to and it will not make the quality of life better for the residents who are in that neighborhood."
"The vast majority of residential streets in Buffalo could have on each corner restaurants, taverns... live entertainment... retail stores... daycare centers, nursing homes... and the list is even longer than that," contends Giacalone, adding "All of those activities would be allowed by use of a special use permit on virtually every corner on residential streets."
Mehaffy says current standards allow for those possibilities now, adding "It's clear on its [the Green Code's] face that it preserves neighborhoods. The city of Buffalo has a tremendous number of great neighborhoods... We engaged literally thousands of people from neighborhoods in the city of Buffalo to say what do you want and that's what's reflected in this document."
City planners are in the process of reviewing hundreds of comments and concerns regarding the "Green Code." The updated version of the code is expected to be submitted to the Buffalo Common Council for review in early December.
For more info on the Green Code click here.