The August 21, 2017 print version of the Buffalo Law Journal published my column – titled “Is Buffalo’s Green Code dead?” – which replies to Assemblyperson Sean Ryan’s tweet, following the July 19 approval of a fistful of variances for Chason Affinity’s “1111 Elmwood” project, proclaiming, “That’s it for the Buffalo Green Code…”
Here’s my basic premise: What died when the ZBA approved the Chason Affinity project is the optimistic-but-misguided belief that the Green Code would provide residents with a meaningful tool to protect and enhance the quality of life and historic fabric of Buffalo’s neighborhoods. What remains intact and thriving is the true intent of the authors of the UDO: implementation of a land use law that, in the words of a City Hall press release, “promotes investment” by offering developers “predictable administration and by-right development.”
The column is available on-line at the BLJ website.
With All Due Respect,
Art Giacalone
With All Due Respect 