BUFFALO, N.Y. -- 700, 600, 500 - Buffalo's Main Street has seen quite a change in these three blocks since 2009 as each section reopens to two-way traffic. But look to the south, and residents and visitors alike say something's missing.
"You can definitely notice the difference when you're coming down and you see it's nice and it's kind of got a little lump there that doesn't have anything there," said Ontario resident Shereen Thompson
Cars Sharing Main Street has seen success, driving more traffic and new businesses to this once neglected spot of the city. The next phase consists of Lower Main, near Canalside and HARBORCENTER. This means skipping over the 400 block, an area with empty store fronts and in need of a fresh breath of air.
"It definitely shows up when you go to that one section where it's really not developed on either side," said Walter Ludwig of Amherst.
So why isn't the 400 Block next on the list? Assemblyman Sean Ryan said it all comes down to dollars and cents.
"Plain and simple answer is money," he said. "There's been federal money and state matching money for the downtown area of Main Street. We're going to do that first. We're waiting for federal money to come through for the 400 Block."
Another reason they're moving forward with this plan is popularity. Canalside has seen unprecedented numbers year-round, and Ryan added revitalizing the street down there only aims to strengthen that area as a whole.
"If it's all nice and tidy downtown you're going to have more tourism down in this area," Thompson said.
"I think it'd be great if there could be some money put towards that, make it one homogeneous Main Street," Ludwig said.
Overall, Ryan explained he'd like to see all of Main continue to evolve, as he thinks the entire strip hasn't reached its full potential just yet.
"As our construction, development sector increases its activities we're going to see growth on those blocks with or without major changes in that roadway," Ryan said.