Fruit Belt Redevelopment Plan: Preliminary Study Report.pdf

Prepared by a team from the University at Buffalo's Department of Urban & Regional Planning, it builds upon community input gathered through meetings and workshops with local residents, organizations, and stakeholders.

Key Findings:

Community Needs: Residents expressed desires for improved safety, increased green space, better access to transportation, affordable housing, and vibrant commercial development along Michigan Street.
Existing Conditions: The Fruit Belt neighborhood faces challenges including vacant lots, blighted buildings, disinvested areas, and a lack of cohesive land use planning. The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) presents both opportunities and pressures for redevelopment.
Strategic Focus: The plan prioritizes revitalizing Michigan Street as a commercial corridor, integrating the BNMC, and creating walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong sense of community.

Plan Components:

The report outlines:

Goals and Objectives: To create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive Fruit Belt neighborhood characterized by diverse housing options, quality public spaces, and a thriving local economy.
Strategies:
Land Use Planning: Proposing mixed-use zoning along Michigan Street, allowing for residential, commercial, and institutional uses.
Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrading streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, and transportation connections to enhance pedestrian access and safety.
Housing Revitalization: Encouraging affordable housing options through incentives and partnerships with developers.
Community Engagement: Fostering community ownership and participation in the redevelopment process through ongoing communication and collaboration.
Detailed Studies: The report includes element studies for Michigan Street, cross streets, and residential streets, analyzing existing conditions and proposing specific design solutions.

Next Steps:

The preliminary study serves as a foundation for further detailed planning and community engagement. Future phases will include:

Developing comprehensive design guidelines
Securing funding and partnerships for implementation
* Monitoring progress and evaluating the success of the redevelopment efforts.