Housing Plan

Vision

A multi-cultural, historic, preserved neighborhood that is safe, stable and pleasant place to live.

Goal

To revitalize the neighborhood through a process of managed physical change.

Focus

The Plan will begin with a targeted effort on East Delavan Avenue, East Ferry and East Utica Streets. These streets run east and west through the Hamlin Park community. This focus will continue through the next 6 years from 2005-2011. The effort will be referred to as the Hamlin Park Thoroughfare Restoration Project, and will include the following components:

1. Attention to Cobblestone Streets - Daisy Place and Viola Park
2. Completion of 60 Hedley Place (Phase 2) in partnership with Masten Council member Antoine M. Thompson
3. Commitment to "zero tolerance" of building violations in the area
4. East Delavan Neighborhood Beautification Project - "We're Making a Difference" in partnership with Senator Byron W. Brown
5. Preservation of East Ferry Street with Ms. Carla Singleton
6. Rehabilitation of the Wohlers Avenue corridor in partnership with the Jeremiah Group

Strategic Plan for Housing Stock Stabilization

Phase 1: Securing Vacant Houses
This is a change in procedure to secure vacant homes in order to maintain the integrity of the home and neighborhood

1. No boards should cover windows and doors.
2. Replace broken windows.
3. Shut water off and drain pipes and toilet tank(s).
4. Clean trash and vegetation and secure property.
5. Several lights should remain on.
6. All graffiti must be removed from houses, garages and fences.

Phase Two: Monitoring Vacant Houses
Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers' Association membership will provide oversight vacant monitors.

A combination of Block Club leadership, business owners and community volunteers will work together to monitor vacant homes in the neighborhood.

Phase Three: Grant writing and Fund raising
The Hamlin Park Community & Taxpayers' Association will establish a "Vacant House Fund" to finance the management of abandoned properties.

Efforts will be made in collaboration with government, banks, businesses and faith community to obtain funds for the securing of vacant homes.

Housing Committee Membership

Members of the Committee include: Anita Guess – Chairperson, Carla Singleton – Consultant, Rev. George Dubois, Shirley Harris, James Maddox, Katherine Tyler, Cornelius Rawles, Cincy Waiters, Martha Morris, Reggie Holtz, Elaine Mootry, Mawusi Khadija Watson, Cynthia Wilson, Shirley Rainey, Wardell Lewis, Betty Kerr, Vivian Thomas, Fran Pearson, Georgia Riles, and Yvonne McCray.

Community & Taxpayers' Association
Box 972 Station "C"
1245 Main St.
Buffalo, New York 14209
(716) 881-1727