masters capstone project

Vacancy Strategy for Buffalo's Lower West Side 

Executive Summary

Throughout the United States, the effects of an unstable and troubling housing market can be seen.  Buffalo is no exception.  As population declines, the remaining infrastructure sits vacant and decaying.  It is believed that vacant housing has many negative effects on communities such as a reduction in property values, increase of crime and a divisive physical impact, as ‘holes’ are created in the urban fabric.  Contrary to popular belief, this presents a wonderful opportunity for the communities that are experiencing such severe shifts in population and housing. 

The Office of Strategic Planning for the City of Buffalo created a process via the comprehensive plan to engage all members and stakeholders to assist in the creation of neighborhood plans.  Never before has the public had such an influence over the future of neighborhoods.  The resulting planning process has created a strategic opportunity for each neighborhood to take steps towards stabilization and secure itself as a leader in the City, setting an example for others to follow.

Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. located on Buffalo’s West Side, has a great opportunity to improve its service area while contributing to the City, resulting is success.  By reducing vacancies, HOCN can stabilize its service area ultimately creating a trend throughout the City.  A clear vacancy strategy for the reduction of vacancies can assist HOCN in its endeavors.  The vacancy strategy includes:

  • selective financial assistance program
  • property sales and consilidation program
  • land bank strategy
  • demolition selection process

Each program is clearly intentioned to assist HOCN in its endeavors to stabilize its service area while fulfilling its mission to create and maintain stable, vibrant communities.  The vacancy strategy also provides an opportunity for HOCN to address the national problems of the housing market in an innovative and realistic way.  The possible success will not only provide encouragement to other neighborhoods within the City but also provide a demonstration of strategies that can be implemented to assist other neighborhoods.


Vacancy Strategy for Buffalo's Lower West Side

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