For Lease: Downtown Buffalo

It's amazing to me how empty downtown Buffalo is.  I would guess that almost half of all commercial space is for lease.  It's not just one section either; it's really all of downtown Buffalo and even some adjoining areas that have a substantial number of empty properties.

Recently, a Harvard economist wrote this piece asking the question, "Can Buffalo Ever Come Back?"  The short answer is no.  Buffalo put all its eggs in one basket, manufacturing, and that basket has left town.  The city never diversified into other industries, and now it's paying the price.

When the economic forces are so powerfully negatively, you have to question whether it's even rational to involve yourself in revitalization efforts.  I'm sure there are groups out there who want to "bring Buffalo back".  It's probably better to just accept things the way they are, and let Buffalo reach its equilibrium as a smaller city.