Buffalo Dusts Itself Off

"If you talk to some of the last few generations," [Jill Jedicka, head of the nonprofit Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper] says, "people will tell you, 'I've been hearing the revitalization of Buffalo's riverfront and waterfront for years; it's never going to happen.' "

But alas, "[n]ear a new patch of green space known as Canalside...dog walkers stroll along a new boardwalk. Teenagers dive to catch Frisbees on fresh sod. Tourists watch a sunset from kayaks and water taxis," observes Robison.

"Just a few boards, and some grass and chairs, and look what happens. People are coming down here," retiree Wayne Minear says. "There's people everywhere. This would have never happened before."

Thanks to Daniel Lippman