Things are genuinely changing for the better in Niagara Falls, New York. There is proof.
Niagara Hub’s Craig Avery is busy with 45 new tenants of his own on Third Street as the City’s programs to assist developers move ahead have succeeded. Avery notes that criticism of such programs from jealous, do-nothing nay-sayers is hard to maintain, as living proof of the program’s successes has put people downtown once again. He and architect John Giusiana recently purchased two more buildings and have put them into the fold to breathe life into the once abandoned Main and Third neighborhood. “Our apartments are newly renovated; some with central air conditioning, state-of-the-art energy saving systems, fully furnished, and most of all, comfortable. They have provided improved housing this summer for families renting space on vacation, yearly leased tenants, and visiting students from all over the world, working in the tourist industry.”
Avery also notes that the second phase of development of mixed use buildings on Third St. will be enhanced with fully occupied living quarters on the second floor. “Bodies in beds upstairs will entice commercial occupancy in vacant first floor spaces below the apartments. Our little community is starting to grow. The tenants eat in the restaurants, buy their essentials in the stores, and wave at the traffic going by. The businesses have a need to provide more products and services, and there’s something for everyone.” Avery says there’s always room for more and invites others with adventurous minds to join in. “Our growing team of investors on Third is always looking to add more to the fray. We will work with potential commercial tenants in choosing the right spot for their business or idea. We don’t want to encourage someone to commit to a space if we really don’t believe the size or location is a good fit for that particular activity. Planned development that compliments each ingredient can be easy, and it can work.”
As far as the nay-sayers? Avery says criticism of City support, friends working together, and changing the status quo eventually helps his efforts. “When people see who’s doing the complaining, it’s not hard to make a decision on which side of the discussion is working. I wish the City had delivered mirrors with the garbage totes to each household. A little self-evaluation may change who’s doing the talking, and who’s being listened to.”
Next time you are in the Third Street area, take a good look around, stop and chat with some of the business and property owners, they’ll agree that a change for the better is underway and progress is indeed being accomplished. Naysayers need not apply.
Nice job Craig !
nice to see this happening
Nicely done Craig.