Empty lots cannot be considered progress  So far, 2013 has been
a tough year in Buffalo for those who appreciate the unique
history of our region.  We have witnessed the obliteration of
the only surviving physical connection to the Wilkeson family –
one of Buffalo’s founding families; the needless demolition of a
beautiful church in North Buffalo; and now, the destruction of
the Bethlehem Steel administration building.  Some will say that
these lost pieces of our history were eyesores; that saving them
was too expensive; that they stood in the way of progress.
However, these structures became eyesores only after decades of
neglect by owners who refused to maintain their properties and
municipalities that failed to enforce their laws.  Restoring
these structures would have required major investments. However,
one only needs to visit the Lafayette Hotel, the Larkin District
or the Darwin Martin House to appreciate the financial and
cultural return on investment that these historic assets
provide.  The Regional