BUFFALO, N.Y. -- There's a quiet renaissance underway on Buffalo's Fillmore Avenue. From Northhampton to East Ferry, some big changes are underway.
Near the corner of East Utica, several stores in the MLK Business District are undergoing major transformations, thanks to a $300,000 grant awarded to the Community Action Organization of Erie County.
"The work here is, I think it's wonderful what they’re doing here for one, making the neighborhood look better," said Roberto Sanchez.
Sanchez is just one of six people in the community hired to work on renovating the businesses along Fillmore.
"Being here has provided me with a constant workflow, afforded me the chance to teach other guys that are up and coming and working these projects with us, teaching them a few trades. It's been an experience," said Sanchez.
"We do mainly everything, mainly concrete work, masonry; you name it, we do it," said Suttles.
Lamar Suttles says this program gave him a chance at a new life.
"I can't speak for everybody else, but I was hanging out on the corner wasting my time, and these guys brought me, asked me did I want a job," Suttles said. "I asked a couple of days, kept asking them, and showed them I wanted to work, and now look at me. I've been here a month."
Contractor Eddie Egrui believes the opportunities that transform lives can also transform neighborhoods.
"I've noticed the hanging out that used to be here has started to disappear, and these store fronts that used to be boarded up, the boards are gone," he said. "So it's like it gives you a different atmosphere. So, the atmosphere of someone makes them act different too, is what I believe."
The first phase of the renovations along Fillmore involved repaving street, sidewalks, curbs, planters and lamp posts. The five stores being renovated under Phase II should be completed this year.