What has Bonnie Russell done for the University District?

While Bonnie Russell has served as University District Councilperson,  a number of exciting million dollar projects has been brought into the University District, including the building of a new fire house on Bailey and Hewitt, the million dollar business project of Fastrac, located on  Bailey & Langfield; and Budwey’s (a full service grocery store) located on Kenmore Avenue.  Thousands of dollars have been invested in improving facades on many businesses and restaurants; while new ones were welcomed.  And, while the City of Buffalo lost population, the University District gained in population as reflected in the 2010 census.

The University District is also bright as it prepares for the Buffalo Promise Neighborhoods, a President Obama initiative spearheaded by Dr. Yvonne Minor-Reagan, along with several community partners that will bring millions of dollars into the Kensington-Bailey area, down Winspear to Hertel Avenue.  Ground will soon be broken on a new million dollar condominium housing development on Main Street near Hertel.  There are some of the best schools,  sought by parents to educate their children, including a new Olmstead High School (formerly Kensington High School) near completion as part of the Joint School Construction project.

Public Safety for University District residents is paramount.  With the help of  the block clubs, and other organizations, vigilance will continue with the police and the district attorneys office to maximize protection for the community and afford justice for those victimized.

Bonnie deserves credit for the successes accomplished to date, and in the future, by working with the residents and organizations of the University District.

  As you travel down Minnesota Avenue, take a moment to notice the award winning beautification project, consisting of beautiful plants and exotic flowers spearheaded by their block club.  She was instrumental in helping the Heath Street Block Club obtain funding to revitalize the green space which is located at the corners of Heath and Mildred Streets. 

 

                 She has played an important part in bringing condos and a brand new day care center to the University District also.  St. Joseph University School celebrated the dedication of new front doors in June 2011.  University District Council member Bonnie Russell funded the project, which officials say was necessary to keep in the heat and make the school safer for students.  She is sponsoring a petition to the Common Council to have the area of Heath and Main Streets, designated as a school zone for the protection of the school children at both St. Joseph's and the Gloria Parks Community Center.