Connecting Places By Bike - We Love Our Hostel Ride - Monday Night Community Ride: Monday, August 12th from 6:30- 9:30 PM, Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY.
Hostel Buffalo-Niagara (often referred to simply as The Hostel) has been a longtime “place” for the Buffalo cycling community long before there was much of a cycling community. As a non profit operating downtown since the 1990’s, the Hostel’s location at 667 Main Street has hosted decades of community cultural and inclusive events, including bike breakfasts, Cranksgivings, and even a Monday Night Slow Roll a few years back. Now, their continued existence at that location — or anywhere in the city of Buffalo — is in serious jeopardy and Slow Roll is hoping to raise awareness (and funds) to help them find a path to reopening. See below for more info, make a donation at www.hostelbuffalo.com, and join us at Niagara Square as we connect places by bike on the We Love Our Hostel Ride.
For More Information Please Contact:
Lourdes Vera
716 903-3498 lourdes.annette.vera@gmail.com
Press Release: Hostel Buffalo-Niagara Moves Forward on Development and Purchase Plans
Overview: On April 10, 2024, the City of Buffalo issued condemnation notices for the non-profit Hostel Buffalo-Niagara at 667 Main Street based on violations found a year prior at the adjacent, dilapidated 664 Washington St., both of which are owned by the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA). The Hostel was already preparing to temporarily suspend operations for stabilization work on 664 Washington St. Despite that preparation, the Hostel was not notified of any inspection prior to the condemnation notice. This coincides with BURA mandating that the Hostel cease operations before finalizing a construction bid and without confirming its return post-stabilization of 664 Washington St.. Now, BURA has fully shut down the Hostel and is only giving the Hostel 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 17th, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 18th, to access and remove belongings. Committed to revitalizing both properties, the Hostel seeks BURA's transparent cooperation to find a compromised solution so that both entities can continue serving the Buffalo community.
Rent Dispute Clarification: Contrary to BURA's public claims, the Hostel does not owe $110,000 in rent. A tentative agreement recognizing arrears of approximately $38,000 is pending BURA’s approval. A BURA employee serving as Hostel Board Treasurer advised these rent deferments. Unfortunately, this led to discrepancies in our financial dialogues, which we have been keen to resolve amicably. These conflicts underscore the need for BURA to fulfill its responsibilities in governance and communication.
Condemnation and Safety Violations: The unexpected condemnation notices issued by the City of Buffalo are based on safety violations at the adjacent 664 Washington Street, not the Hostel. The notices were cited over a year ago and listed incorrectly under the Hostel's address. BURA installed a new electrical panel inside the Hostel two years ago, which led to the understanding that the building was deemed safe for occupancy throughout this time. BURA, not the Hostel, did this electrical work without a permit, which was included in the violations. The timing of the condemnation ties closely to the removal date BURA posed for stabilization, raising concerns about the genuine intent behind these measures. Now, BURA is only giving the Hostel 9:00 am - 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 17th, and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, April 18th, to remove its belongings.
Construction Concerns: Given the Hostel's experienced Board and external engineering consultants, we have sought collaboration and clear communication with BURA on the upcoming construction. Despite repeated requests, BURA still has not facilitated a meeting between the respective design professionals, hampering the project's progress and mutual understandings necessary for development of the Hostel’s proposal to purchase the buildings.
Landlord Responsibilities: As the landlord, BURA is failing to adhere to its own safety policies, procedures, and standards for all city landlords. BURA’s failure to be a competent landlord has endangered the structural integrity of the properties involved and the safety of the Hostel’s guests and employees.
Vision for the Future: The Hostel is dedicated to transforming both the properties at 664 Washington and 667 Main Street into a safe, vibrant, economically sustainable asset for the greater Buffalo community and the Theatre District. Our vision contrasts sharply with the transient nature of private spaces like lofts and condos, which do not serve the community’s long-term interests, especially given the high vacancy rates in such developments nearby.
Expert Collaboration: The Hostel’s Board of Directors has engaged esteemed professionals, including Sam Savarino, Windsor Turner, Janet Meiselman, and architect Gwen Howard. Additionally, Ms. Kellena Kane from Ascension Real Estate, supported by the John R. Oishei Foundation, is guiding our facilities planning.
Community Impact: For 27 years, the Hostel has been a cornerstone of the Theatre District, hosting thousands annually and contributing millions to the local economy. It is a hub for community events, musical performances, and the Box Art Gallery.
Conclusion: Our diverse board of professionals from fields including property management, law, and academia, is committed to a continued transparent and collaborative relationship with the City, despite BURA’s stonewalling, to secure our future. We kindly seek BURA’s partnership and support, including clear communications and assistance in securing necessary resources for our endeavors.
Slow Roll’s Circle The Wagons series of Monday Night Community Rides all originate, mass up, and conclude at one of the City of Buffalo’s many beautiful circles or roundabouts. The unique design of these routes and venue pop-ups allow for riders to enjoy our usual 10 mile ride, or opt for a shorter 3.5 mile or 7 mile ride if so desired.
Slow Roll Buffalo Monday Night Community Rides connect communities through guided rides for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels, with a slow pace and volunteer squad that keeps riders safe and social. Each ride features a different host site and unique route around the city, including stops to regroup and meet neighborhood stakeholders before returning to the starting point for an afterparty with food, drinks, music, and fellowship.
This event is free.