FAQ
WHAT IS THE EVA?
The Elmwood Village Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community development organization serving the Elmwood Village in Buffalo, NY. The organization was incorporated formally, as Forever Elmwood Corporation, in November of 1994. The Elmwood Village Association is built by the collective efforts of Elmwood Avenue small business owners, property owners, and neighborhood residents to improve the quality of life and support the Elmwood Avenue business district. With roots extending back into the 1980s, the organization has become the primary vehicle for community engagement shaping the future of this Buffalo neighborhood. Since its inception, the organization has housed active, community-led committees focusing on economic revitalization, housing code enforcement, urban design, zoning regulations, community events, neighborhood safety, small business marketing, and more. The organization follows the National Main Street Center’s Main Street Four-Point Approach with transformation strategies focused on: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
WHAT IS A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION?
Neighborhood Associations are formal organizations that generally operate as non-profits, established by a voluntary group of individuals comprising of residents, property owners, business owners, and staff. The primary objective of these associations is to enhance and advance the community / general welfare of the people within the community. This is achieved through various means such as beautification, planning events / social activities, and improving and promoting neighborhood safety. The association meets during regularly scheduled board meetings which cover business activities, leadership, finances, and events, among other topics. To ensure transparency and accountability, it is imperative to record the meetings in the form of meeting minutes.
WHAT IS NOT A NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION?
Neighborhood Associations are not affiliated with the municipal government, and their decisions and preferences should not be construed as reflective of the entire Elmwood Village. Unlike Homeowners Associations, membership in Neighborhood Associations is voluntary, and they focus on representing the diverse needs and preferences of local residents. Neighborhood Associations are adaptable to the changing circumstances and complexities of the neighborhood they oversee.
HOW DO I BECOME A VENDOR OF THE FARMERS MARKET?
New vendors are selected by the Farmers Market Board (not the EVA Board) once per year, during the open application period from late-January to mid-March. Check the website for the updated application www.elmwoodmarket.org/vendor-information and email favilonen@gmail.com with questions.
WHO HANGS UP THE FLAGS ALONG ELMWOOD AVENUE?
The Elmwood Village Association is not responsible for any of the flags that get hung up on the street poles lining Elmwood Avenue. The Pride Center of WNY hangs the Pride flags along with organizing the Pride Parade each year
WHO DECIDES WHICH BUSINESSES CAN OPEN ON ELMWOOD AVENUE
The Elmwood Village Association has no say in what businesses go in on Elmwood Avenue. That decision is between potential tenants and the individual landlords who own property on Elmwood Avenue.
WHO DECIDES IF BUSINESSES CAN HAVE PATIOS AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ON THEIR PATIOS (LIVE MUSIC, SERVE FOOD, ETC)?
Decisions about patios are between the tenant, the landlord, and City Hall, if the patio falls on City property. The Elmwood Village Association has no say in what businesses do in or outside their businesses.
GEOGRAPHY?
Elmwood Village is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of Buffalo, New York. It is nestled along the scenic Elmwood Avenue and is bordered by the Allentown neighborhood to the south. The northern boundary of the neighborhood is adjacent to Buffalo State College and Delaware Park, which lies just beyond the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The eastern boundary is marked by Delaware Avenue (NY 384), while the western boundary is Richmond Avenue, and to the west is the West Side neighborhood.