(by Anna Miller – Buffalo Rising)
New life is filling the air around the abandoned Central Terminal. It’s visible along the stretch of Memorial Drive, bordering the remnants of the old train station and loading docks, and in the traffic circles welcoming the occasional visitors. More than 160 new trees have been planted in the past year (the bulk of them very recently) thanks to the dedication of Yuri Hreshchyscyn, who has been working tirelessly to beautify the grounds outside the terminal for seven years now.
“We hope to make a passive park on the grounds of the Central Terminal,” Yuri said, referring to the area he hopes will become the “other” East Side park.
The trees were secured because of an urban forestry grant approved three years ago by the State Department of Environmental Conservation, originally slated for 65 trees and widespread trimming. The tree trimming portion of the grant went basically moot after the surprise October storm, Yuri explained, so the number of new trees climbed to 80. Lower-than-expected bids by the tree suppliers then allowed them to double that number and welcome 160 new trees, of all varieties, to be planted in the parkland outside the Terminal.
The green space is slowly transforming into a beautifully landscaped expanse that appeals to potential users; it is already used by neighborhood kids as a sort of playground and Yuri said he hopes eventually even a volleyball net and other recreational aids can be installed.
(read full Buffalo Rising story – HT Mark Kubiniec)
