LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the National Trust for Historic Pres-
ervation in naming Buffalo, New York, to its 2009 list of America's
Dozen Distinctive Destinations

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the National
Trust for Historic Preservation in naming Buffalo, New York, to its 2009
list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations; and
WHEREAS, Each year since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preser-
vation has selected 12 vacation destinations across the United States
that offer an authentic visitor experience by combining dynamic down-
towns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, cultural landscapes,
and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo is a lakeside city which offers an amazing range of
cultural resources as well as some of the country's most captivating
architecture; nestled between the pristine network of city parks
designed by Frederick Law Olmsted are National Historic Landmarks by
Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan and H.H. Richardson; and
WHEREAS, Extraordinary examples of Victorian, Beaux-Arts, Romanesque
and Art Deco architecture can also be explored on one of the city's more
than 500 walking tours; Buffalo is also home of the Erie Canal, a 184
year-old Commercial Slip that has been restored and is also public for
the first time in generations; and
WHEREAS, The city of Buffalo features an awe-inspiring collection of
historic grain elevators and other examples of commercial urban design
as well as surviving buildings by the nation's first professional woman
architect, Louise Blanchard Bethune; in addition,it also boasts critical
sites related to the Underground Railroad; and
WHEREAS, The interweaving of great architecture, landscape architec-
ture and important historic sites makes Buffalo a must see destination
for preservationists, designers, history buffs, and anyone wishing to
see an inspiring example of American design; and
WHEREAS, For the past decade, historic preservation has played a crit-
ical role in Buffalo's revitalization efforts; neighborhood by neighbor-
hood, the city's turn-of-the-century legacy is being restored; and
WHEREAS, Buffalo has a lively arts scene which includes the world-
class collection of modem art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the
opulent European-style opera house which houses Shea's Performing Arts
Center; beautiful botanical gardens and annual festivals are also an
essential part of the city's appeal; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for the National Trust for Historic Pres-
ervation, and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper
attention to a place and time which merits recognition in the grand
panorama of the history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the National Trust for Historic Preservation in naming Buffalo,
New York, to its 2009 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.