Buffalo Neighborhoods

By Kyle Patterson

Our region is defined as the sum of its parts. Tying together neighborhoods and working to redefine our city at the micro- level provides many avenues forward to a city on the rebound as Buffalo is. While many point to urban flight and other issues affecting our region, there are handfuls of neighborhoods and towns in Western New York that standout as not only great places to live, but great sub-communities to be a part of. The local flavor presented here is truly unique to our area. As the City of Good Neighbors, we are redefining ourselves as the community of people, places, organizations and businesses that care about our city. Starting at the neighborhood level and growing out, we are influenced,  defining to a degree and changing the perception of our region.  From downtown to Elmwood, Allentown, East Side, West Side and everything in between, Buffalo offers a diverse and  eclectic offering as to where to live. Our hopes here is to highlight some of the best areas and what they are doing to make a  difference and make their neighborhood a great place to live and work. READ MORE...

Buffalo Style: Men's Fashion

Riverside Men’s Shop

3063 Sheridan Drive, Amherst

www.riversidemens.com

Famous for their exclusive “Buffalo line” of clothing and accessories including the Buffalo Polo, tie, belts, t-shirts, vests and flip-flops, Riverside Men’s Shop has a reputation for some of the most stylish and widest variety of men’s clothes in Western New York. Carrying business casual clothing like Blazers, Sport Shirts, Khaki’s and Top Coats by top brands including Hart Shaffner & Marx and Bernhard Altmann along with Ralph Lauren and Gionfriddo Shirts and Sweaters. Their professional clothes include the likes of Hart Schaffner & Marx Blazer, Austin Reed and Ralph Lauren Chaps. Riverside’s “Out on the Town” line, READ MORE...

Why Your Business Needs to Be in Buffalo

By John W Howell

I love New York (City). I left my heart in San Francisco. I still miss my Sweet Home Chicago. There’s nothing like the moon over Miami. And what about those beaches in LA?

     But, I live in Buffalo, having recently moved back home from Chicago, and Santa Fe before that. I wouldn’t live anywhere else now, especially given the fact that I came back to start a company dedicated to helping others do the same. READ MORE...

Waterfront Stories

Contributed by The Project for Public Spaces. (Originally published in THRiVE! May/June 2011)

A waterfront is often the face of a city. However, from old mill towns to former shipping ports, many urban waterfronts no longer connect to the world through their former transportation and economic functions. Without this bustle, cities are increasingly left exposed, challenged to reveal their personality and values in these unused spaces. Increasingly, waterfronts are where cities are forced to stop their treadmill of economic activity, development and transportation infrastructure, and figure out who they are. READ MORE...

Editor's Note

Where we live says a lot about us. As Buffalonians we truly have a wide selection—from downtown living to waterfront living to the cultural experiences of Elmwood and Allentown districts to the emerging neighborhoods of the West Side and the booming Ellicott District entertainment hub. From lofts to apartments to homes, condos and townhouses. Restorative projects to new builds, green homes to old homes, new homes and community homes, Buffalo has it all. In this issue we give you just a taste of some of the many options one has for living in Western New York. Our article is a sampler if you will of some of the great communities Buffalo has to offer, an appetizer of sorts to wet your appetite if you will for all Buffalo has to offer. There is so much more to cover and that is where you come in. What do you like best about where you live, what needs to change, how can your neighborhood work together to make it one of Buffalo’s best? These are questions that I hope you will ask when you read about what other neighborhoods and districts are doing around town to make Buffalo the beautiful and attractive city we know it to be. READ MORE...

Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort

Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort is a stunning new edition to Grand Island, and one of THRIVE!’s recommended places for spring, summer and fall family fun. The newly built 90 plus acre campsite opened last year attracts families from across the nation who may be in town enjoying some of the wonders of our area not the least of which is Niagara Falls, just a 10 minute drive from the grounds. Whether a camper, vacationer, RV camper or tourist, Branches offers a getaway without leaving any known trace of civilization enabling you to enjoy the camp experience and if needed escape to a local pizza joint for dinner. The campground, started by a group of already successful local business people is not just another profit engine but a way to contribute to the beauty of our region, something they are counting on to keep the business strong. READ MORE...

Editor's Note

The summer months are never boring in Buffalo and frankly it is hard to keep up with it all. After the long winter months, I am telling you Buffalonians take full advantage of the summer months—from festivals to camping to business to farmers markets, charitable fundraisers, film and waterfront fun, Buffalo offers it all. Though it may not be as big and flashy as some other big cities, there really is nothing that we can’t offer. By focusing on those things that we collectively are doing well as a community and region our hope is that you would be inspired and proud to live in Western New York. READ MORE...

Buffalo ReformED Lobbying for Parent Trigger Bill

Buffalo Schools Superintendent James Williams has faced heat this year as parents and activists are lobbying for change in Buffalo's schools. Williams announced that he will resign in June 2012"The status quo in Buffalo is not an option; the current decision-makers do not prioritize the needs of students, protecting adult interests over those of students. Parents are the only stakeholders who will always put students first, and the Parent Trigger gives them the power to make building-level changes in the best interest of kids," says local activist Hannya Boulos in an email update to her not-for-profit Buffalo ReformED supports. The organization led a group of parents and concerned citizens to Albany on Wednesday and received tremendous support for the bill. Now however they are up against a few challenges. READ MORE...

Experience the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes Experience Festival is an event sponsored by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation at Canal Side, located on the Inner Harbor in Downtown Buffalo. The festival, which takes place Saturday June 18th from 11am to 6pm, will focus on the environment and ecology of the Great Lakes and the heritage of our region. READ MORE...

Supporting Education Reform

Buffalo Reformed, an education reform advocacy organization that brings together parents, teachers, business leaders and community stakeholders in an effort to revitalize Buffalo through an improved education system is hosting a fund raiser tonight to continue their mission to make fundamental changes in education by putting the focus back on students. READ MORE...