Buffalo Central Terminal

Buffalo, NY – The Board of Directors for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) recently announced some changes following the sudden death of the board’s president, Michael Miller. Mark Lewandowski was elected Board President and Chairman, while Anthony Bylewski will serve as First Vice Chairman. They, along with other Board members including Yuri Hreshchyshyn, Hank Olejniczak, Paul Lang, and Jeff Ingersoll, elected Sara Etten as Secretary and Derek Punaro as Treasurer.

The board also announced its intention to create a master plan by October 2010 to protect, stabilize and preserve the Central Terminal Rail Station for eventual renovation and reuse. The board’s top priority is to clarify issues and better inform public officials of the unique advantages of this site, as well as the significant long-lasting benefits which will occur once the terminal returns to regular use. The CTRC board invites all elected officials, community leaders, educators and neighborhood groups to join us as we develop our Master Plan to save this structure from destruction by time and neglect.

The Central Terminal Restoration Corporation (CTRC) was founded in 1997 to oversee the stabilization and restoration of the Central Terminal in Buffalo, New York as a mixed-use facility, offering space for public events, light industry, cultural/educational space, office operations, condominiums, retail shopping and dining and access to passenger and light rail train services. The CTRC is an entirely volunteer organization which relies on grant money, government funds, and donations to continue work on the building and to hold public events. The CTRC is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY, President of the Board of Directors for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, died on August 27, 2009. As an active preservation leader for Western New York, Michael inspired many volunteers from the City and throughout the surrounding suburbs to become committed to the preservation efforts for the Central Terminal and the East Side of Buffalo. His passion for the area’s history was infectious. His demeanor and enthusiasm not only encouraged scores of people to become involved but to stay dedicated for the long term.

He was encouraged by the possibility that recent plans for High Speed Rail and associated development could be the catalyst to bring the Terminal Building back into reuse and be saved for other generations to enjoy.

Michael previously had served as the Board Treasurer and spearheaded the effort of creating a broad mix of events bringing the public back to enjoy the Terminal.

Michael, recently hired as the Executive Director for Preservation Buffalo Niagara, achieved this position of his dreams. He knew he had the opportunity to help make a significant contribution to bettering our area.

The loss of Michael has been deeply felt by all those associated with him.

They say no one is irreplaceable. Maybe no one will be exactly like Michael because he was a gentleman by every measure and worked tirelessly to make things better for those around him.

We wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family, coworkers and many friends.

Respectfully,

Mark Lewandowski, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Volunteers of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation

Expression of Sympathy
August 28, 2009

Preservation Buffalo Niagara Sadly Announces the Death of Our Executive Director, Michael Miller

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is sad to announce the untimely death of its recently appointed Executive Director, Michael Miller, 51, of Wheatfield, NY. Michael was previously employed by M&T Bank for over 17 years and was an active volunteer and leader for the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation. Michael recently made the decision to join Preservation Buffalo Niagara to fulfill a life-long passion to work full-time in the area of historic preservation, where he devoted so much of his free time.

Catherine Schweitzer, Board Chair of PBN said “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. Michael was so happy with his decision to join PBN as our first full time executive director; he brought significant professional skills, a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm to the organization as well as an extensive network of friends. Through his dedicated service to the Central Terminal and Broadway-Fillmore area, Michael earned the trust and respect of the preservation community. He was genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead for himself, the preservation movement, and the entire Buffalo/Niagara region. Michael will be sorely missed. We all extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael’s family and many friends.”

Plans are underway for a remembrance of Michael’s life at the Central Terminal. Information will be forthcoming.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara is a recently re-constituted organization representing the combination of the former Preservation Coalition and the former Landmark Society and is devoted to education and advocacy for Historic Preservation principles, practices, and related issues. In addition to hiring Michael as its Executive Director, PBN was in the process of searching for a “Preservation Specialist”, which is expected to continue. PBN successfully secured significant philanthropic funding and will play a lead role when Buffalo hosts the National Trust for Historic Preservation Annual Conference in 2011.

Preservation Buffalo Niagara

617 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone (716) 852-3300 Fax (716) 852-5340 Email: PreservationBuffaloNiagara@gmail.com
Website: www.PreservationBuffaloNiagara.org

Contact: Catherine Schweitzer, Chair
Cell 870-5000 Work 883-2429
cfs@bairdfoundation.org

Press Release June 23, 2009
Contact: Catherine Schweitzer, Chair
Cell 870-5000 Work 883-2429

Preservation Leader Selected; Preservation Specialist Sought

Last night, the Board of Trustees of Preservation Buffalo Niagara unanimously voted to appoint Michael Miller as Preservation Buffalo Niagara’s Executive Director. In a related action, Preservation Buffalo Niagara launched a search for a new staff person, a Preservation Specialist, to provide field services and assistance to preservation organizations and owners of historic properties throughout a seven county western New York region. With these hires, Preservation Buffalo Niagara will have the most substantial preservation staff ever assembled to advance historic preservation in the Buffalo region.

Michael Miller’s selection is the culmination of a six month national search and a review of over 35 resumes submitted from applicants from throughout the country. The Search Committee was co-chaired by Steven Weiss and Blythe Merrill and included Peter Flynn, Joy McDuffie, Harvey Garrett, Catherine Schweitzer and Doug Swift. Serving as an advisor to the committee was Henry McCartney, formerly the long-time director of Rochester’s preservation organization.

Stated Steven Weiss, who is also vice chair of PBN “We are just delighted that Michael Miller will be joining us, as he has the combination of skills we are looking for. He has a passion for historic preservation and has been a volunteer leader with local preservation organizations. He also has the management skills to move our organization forward. That Michael lives and works in this region is also a plus, as he can start quickly, already knowing our people, our leaders, our architecture, our neighborhoods and our region”. Mr. Miller plans to assume his duties on July 13th.

Michael Miller currently is President of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, a volunteer position. He is also the co-founder of Broadway Fillmore Alive. In these endeavors he has worked with numerous volunteers, helped build a supporting membership, obtained support from public entities and administered grants. Professionally, Miller has been with M&T Bank since 1992, with a variety of administrative, managerial and project experiences.

Stated Miller “I am honored to be given the opportunity to work for historic preservation for our architecturally rich region. We have a lot of work to do and I am anxious to get started. I would like to thank the Preservation Buffalo Niagara search committee and board members for their confidence in me. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me!”

Preservation Buffalo Niagara was formed in October 2008 when the Landmark Society of the Niagara Frontier and the Preservation Coalition of Erie County joined forces with the goal of creating a substantial, professional preservation organization for the Niagara Frontier. Helping PBN move forward quickly were grants from the J:ohn R. Oishei Foundation, the DB Trust, and the Baird Foundation. PBN is also supported by over 750 members.

The Preservation Specialist position will be funded for its first three years by a “Partners in the Field” grant awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, with year-one matched by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. A job description is posted at www.preservationbuffaloniagara.org. Buffalo will be the host of the National Trust’s 2011 National Preservation Conference.

Stated Catherine Schweitzer, PBN’s Chair, “With the enthusiastic encouragement and investment by so many individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations, we are thrilled to see our new preservation organization moving forward so quickly. Our mandate is to prepare Buffalo to be the host of the 2011 National Historic Preservation Conference; our talented new staff will not only help us do so, but together they give us significant capacity to advance preservation in neighborhoods, villages and downtowns throughout our region.”

Preservation Buffalo Niagara 617 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone (716) 852-3300 Fax (716) 852-5340 Email: PreservationBuffaloNiagara@gmail.com
Website: www.PreservationBuffaloNiagara.org