In an emergency such as fire or collapse, city officials will retain the authority to order demolition. The Preservation Board has been requesting reforms and Mayor Byron W. Brown has said he will approve the amendment.
Looking forward, it would be beneficial if preservationists will come up with an inventory of buildings they consider historic. Often, it seems, the ruckus starts when demolition is about to begin. Such a list doesn’t necessarily have to be exhaustive, but an inventory could prevent angst and regrettable losses.
Take, as an example, the reason for the city’s preservation ordinance amendment, initiated by Nowakowski and Niagara Council Member David Rivera. It started when developer Nick Sinatra asked for a demolition permit for a 1907 house at 184 W. Utica St.
It was only then that the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History Architecture & Culture filed a local landmark designation, but it was too late. The house was demolished two days after the Preservation Board unanimously recommended landmark status and before the Common Council spoke.
There may be no foolproof solution, but an inventory would surely be helpful. Indeed, it should be fundamental. Preservationists spend countless hours talking to community members about tax credits, architectural and engineering assistance and grant writing. But for what, exactly?
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