“A group of local activists are working to bring back the feel of historic Lockport,” reports Connor Hoffman for the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal. “A group of community activists have formed a group called Unlock Lockport in an attempt to change zoning laws, street designs, and expand historical districting in an attempt to maximize and revitalize the downtown Lockport area.”

“Group member Heather Hilderbrandt said the group formed after they met each other during a local Jane’s Walk, an event dedsigned to bring community members together and discuss how they can grow their community.”

“Forming in October, the group debuted their ideas at the second Pints for Progress, which was held in March.”

“Communities like East Aurora, Olean, and Hamburg have done just what Unlock Lockport is proposing, and they are the examples that the group cites. Member Chuck Banas believes Lockport has a lot of potential and that’s the idea behind the name of their group.”

“‘There is a tremendous amount of potential here … Cities and towns in Western New York and across the nation, their downtowns have seen much better days,’ he said. ‘[But] there is a back to the city movement in the country. And millennials, by and large, want to live in places that are active and walkable. That have some street life. Some sense of identity and some sense of place. Lockport has all of that just kind of waiting to be unlocked.'”

“…The next Jane’s Walk will be on May 5, and Unlock Lockport will be putting together the program for the event.”

Read the full story here

Partners for a Livable WNY, along with Unlock Lockport and Lockport Main Street, Inc., is helping to sponsor the May 5 Jane’s Walk & Workshop.