Suzanne Kashuba: Historic neighborhood should be preserved

As an avid amateur photographer with a love of architecture, I am often blown away by the remnants of Buffalo’s glory days, tucked away in unexpected places. I looked forward to this opportunity to discover a part of town I’ve never really explored before.

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Little did I know that this three-hour trek would be much more than a pleasant home and garden walk; it would be an eye-opening reminder of the priceless value of home and community.

Camera in hand on a sunny late-May morning, I joined a group of eager local tourists on a walk through Buffalo’s historic Prospect Hill neighborhood, near the Peace Bridge. The details of the homes amazed me. A delicate floral stained-glass window rose above a polished stairway; a whimsical turret topped an old carriage house, surrounded by a thriving backyard oasis. I kept shooting!

Walking into one century-old home, an astonished guest from Toronto said, “Where I’m from, this would go for over a million!”

But it was the stories of the past that left a lasting impression. An Italian-American from this neighborhood spearheaded the effort to declare Columbus Day a national holiday. Within the grand fortress of the Connecticut Street Armory, early residents could escape threatening mobs. Several homes once doubled as doctor’s offices on classy “Doctors’ Row.”

From the rooftop of one of the homes we visited, I paused to take it all in. I imagined what life was like here before the interstate highway blocked access to Frederick Law Olmsted’s Front Park, situated to take advantage of once-grand waterfront vistas. I mourned the loss of a visionary contribution to the people of Buffalo.

Yet, on this day, an even greater danger looms. Lawn sign scream “Move the Plaza.” Our passionate guides detailed the impending plight of this once idyllic place.

One of them, a homeowner here, was a victim of cancer, along with many of her neighbors. She explained that the diesel truck fumes, blown by prevailing winds, have been blamed for a high concentration of life-threatening illnesses here. Now the authorities plan to expand the bridge’s truck plaza. This would mean demolishing blocks of homes and inflicting a devastating, noxious “neighbor” upon those who remain.

Complete with the largest duty-free shop and accompanying parking lot, the plan seems grounded in the promise of commercial success for a mighty few. Given these circumstances, no wonder the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed the neighborhood on its national “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list in 2008.

Olmsted understood the importance of a strong sense of place, blessed by nature, where all who visited could be inspired, their spirits renewed. The realization of his plan for Buffalo enhanced the quality of life for everyone. The Prospect Hill neighbors understand this, too, and some of them are willing to fight for it. They believe other options are viable and that the plaza should be located in a non-residential area.

Despite their daunting challenges, the residents I met embody Buffalo’s moniker, the “City of Good Neighbors.” They are neighbors who are raising kids, tending properties and paying taxes; who care deeply about their tight-knit community; and who are banding together against powerful foes to try to preserve their home. I couldn’t help but be impressed by their camaraderie and humbled by their courage. I took a picture. I wanted to remember this.