The one thing business owners would change about Elmwood

Ethan Johnson owns Campus Wheel Works in the Elmwood Village and he feels the city could be doing more to make improvements in one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. 

“We have very outdated light poles, lots of busted up curbs and sidewalks,” Johnson said. 

The Elmwood Village Association is reaching out to hundreds of businesses and homeowners about their concerns. Representatives sent out surveys hoping to get a better idea on which direction to take the organization. A survey that could lead to move improvements. 

Fern and Arrow owner, Gordon Scherer said Elmwood is the jam of Buffalo. However, many of his his customers complain about the lack of parking. 

“That means more parking ramps or more police presence on the adjacent streets to make that walk seemingly more safe,” Scherer said. 

Some experts believe the Elmwood Village is struggling to maintain businesses because of parking, high rent, and the rise of other popular neighborhoods, like Hertel. Scherer believes technology is what’s driving down foot traffic. 

“The means by which people shop, be that online, has become a bit of a factor that is always going to be a factor when people want to walk around and go into retail stories,” Scherer said. 

“I think it’s just a phase. We just need some support and we all need to come together you know as a business community and for the residents of the community really put some work back into the neighborhood,” Johnson said.