HSBC Bank - Seneca Street - South Buffalo Branch is CLOSING
More bad news for Seneca Street. The HSBC South Buffalo branch located at 2234 Seneca Street is CLOSING forever. I have been informed that this is a “corporate decision” on behalf of HSBC Bank, and was given no other official information.
Here we are with yet another business abandoning our South Buffalo community. What the heck is the Chamber of Commerce good for, except for political grandstanding?
In related news, the Yafa Market on Seneca Street is closed, after only a few short months. Another two locations to put up more “window dresings” perhaps.
Any plans to fill that building or will it simply be boarded up?
Comment by Christopher Smith — January 23, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
Chris, we’re working on getting more information and the post will be updated.
Comment by Cindy — January 24, 2008 @ 10:29 am
After much research, the only information they are giving customers is thet it is a “corporate decision”. The have not given any reason for the closing (WHY).
I called the number and was transferred to a line that sound far away, and was answered by a kind HSBC rep, who identified himself as Masood. He tried to give me bits of information that I already knew from the vague letter sent out to HSBC Customers. He did finally admit that the HSBC Bank is donating the building to a NON FOR PROFIT ORG. HMMMM can we all say corporate Tax deduction?
I did speak with the new “ACTING MANAGER” of the Seneca Street Branch. She gave me all that Masood and the letter already did. I did ask what Non for Profit was going to go into the abandoned building. She indicated that the “Greater South Buffalo Chamber of Commerce” was having a meeting on Friday (1/25/08) Why not ask the public in the neighborhood (Block Clubs etc.) to give suggestions, I asked…..”It’s not in the Bank’s protocal”, was the answer I got. So the local political Chamber of Commerce is in the know. They (HSBC)also have an rep on the board of the so called chamber. I even suggested that the HSBC’s own customers of the branch be involved, to no avail.
It is a shame for the SOUTH DISTRICT of Buffalo. No HSBC Branch in our district. I think that the one they are telling the customers is in the Lovejoy District on Abbott near Bailey Ave.
I’m waiting to hear back from customer relations….
© 2008 Southbuffaloblogger
I find this branch to be very active (I’m always watiting in line) + they just installed a new ATM (Which is BUSY 24/7)
Comment by southbuffaloblogger — January 26, 2008 @ 7:04 am
Very Disappointing news but I’m more concerned with the effect this might have on business people and potential investors. There isn’t much confidence in our area right now and this latest development isn’t doing anything to improve that. I believe it is the responsibility of our government to create an environment where business can flourish; obviously, this isn’t happening on Seneca Street. So, we are going to have to do it ourselves. I know it’s a small step but my organization (Seneca Rising) is planting trees all along Seneca Street this May with the help of ReTree WNY. We could use as many volunteers as we can get. Check us out at www.senecarising.org and sign up
Comment by Pat Burke — January 28, 2008 @ 2:55 pm
While trees are nice, they were never a good fit for Seneca Street. They always became overgrown, and cluttered into buildings, like at the JUJITSU Studio near Indian Church. Maybe a dwarf variety of tree would work.
Another problem is investment companies wanting unrealistic rents, and a very unrealistic “fake” $25,000 incentive program.
Still no official response from HSBC.
South Buffalo Neighbors are not happy with this closing. It is a very busy location (I’m always waiting in line)… If it’s not performing up to its potential, maybe management is to blame. I know MANY folks that make this location their banking home.
Comment by John — February 4, 2008 @ 6:18 am
I agree John. Most of the stumps from the trees cut down after the Oct. Storm have yet to be removerd.
As the trees grow and become less maintained, they will be the new window dressings to cover up the fact
of so many empty storefronts.
Comment by Cindyk — February 4, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
Any further word on why this branch is closing? It really is too bad because I use this one all the time and will hate having to go to the other one near Baily.
Comment by Chris — February 10, 2008 @ 7:24 pm
I agree with you to an extent. The sidewalks on Seneca Street are too small to add a plethora of trees but at the same time, it’s beginning to look like a concrete jungle out there. The street needs some life and some color; If we place the right types of trees in the right locations, I think it will accent the street quite nicely.
As for the closing of the HSBC on Seneca Street; I’ve written them a letter and am waiting for their response.
Any other thoughts, comments, concerns about tree planting please let me know.
Comment by Pat Burke — February 14, 2008 @ 8:58 am