The demand for downtown housing appears to be boosting the East Side. "I think what we are finally starting to see is what I call ‘economic development by osmosis’ work its way down Broadway, down William," said Jim Fink of Business First during his monthly appearance on WBFO's Press Pass.
While there are projects planned for the corner of Broadway and Jefferson and along Michigan Avenue, Fink believes an Archie Street development best exemplifies what's happening in the often-overlooked East Side. The plan looks to transform a former livery into a multiple residential property.
"Somebody is spending that amount of money on market rate housing because they believe in Buffalo," Fink said.
"This is all part of Buffalo’s economic renaissance and resurgence."
The city Planning Board has been busy reviewing plans for the Canterbury Woods project at the former site of Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital. According to Fink, 10 public meetings were held before developers could come up with a design that met the approval of most of the many interested parties.
"Clearly no matter what is designed, you’re never get 100 percent consensus.”
Fink expects more of the same as developers look to transform Women and Children's Hospital on Bryant Street.
“I think the residents are very concerned about anything that happens along there, whether it’s the Gates Circle property, whether it’s Children’s Hospital, whether it’s an empty storefront on Elmwood Avenue,” Fink said.
“They’re very proud. Very passionate. Very possessive.”
