🌱🛍️ Cotsco Controversy + Villa Maria's Digital Media Art Center + Concerned Cyclists

Hey, friends! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Buffalo Daily, filled with all the local news you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• 🛍️ Concern over the location of the new Cotsco
• 🚴‍♀️ Bicyclists urging Gov. Hochul to sign a NYS Safe Streets Bill
• 🤒 Erie County Covid cases

... and more!

☁️ But first, today's weather: Cloudy. High: 46. Low: 35.

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Here are the top stories today in Buffalo:

1. The first Cotsco in the region is opening in Amherst, but the announced site has residents concerned about traffic build-up on North Bailey. The Cotsco is supposed to be built at 4200 Ridge Lea Road, with construction set to begin this upcoming spring. Amherst town supervisor, Brian Kulpa, says that the plans for Cotsco are going in front of the town board for rezoning in January. Learn more at WKBW 7.
2. Villa Maria College has open its doors to a new Digital Media Art Center for students. “Our students are working in spaces that are just like a studio or company that they will be able to work in once they graduate,” Villa President Dr. Matthew Dr. Giordano said. “They have all the same technology, collaborative space, individual space; so we’re providing them a classroom that is going to prepare them extremely well for their careers.” Read more at WIVB 4.
3. Western New York bicyclists stress the importance of having the proposed New York State Safe Streets Bill. The act would improve infrastructure for both bikes and vehicles on the road, making it safer for everybody. After speaking with a representative of Governor Kathy Hochul's office, GOBike's executive director says the bill has not been signed. To find out more, read WKBW 7.
4. A year after the motorcyclist Abayomi Olomo was fatally hit, there have been still no arrests made for the crime. The hit-and-run happened on Genesee Street in the October of 2021. Local surveillance pictures depict a Mercedes Benz, but the suspect associated with that car has a lawyer that has prevented police from speaking to him. Read more at WGRZ 2.
5. COVID-19 cases in Erie County are up by 70% this week. Last week, Erie County had 525 new cases reported. This week, it had 889 new cases reported. The seven-day case rate per 100,000 is 93 cases. Visit The Buffalo News for more information.

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Today in Buffalo:

• Great Expectations: Community Matinee! Irish Classical Theatre Company at Andrews Theatre. December 7th, 10:00 A.M. Details!
• Annual Studio Artist Exhibit and Sale! Buffalo Arts Studio. December 7th, 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Details!
• Christmas Spirits Market! Pearl Street Brewing Co. December 7th, 5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Details!
• Cocktail Chemistry! Buffalo Museum of Science. December 7th, 6:00 P.M. Details!

Buffalo Chatter:

• "Holiday Rode": "Buffalo is heading to the big screen...again! Under the code name of “Holiday Road”, the movie tells the story of a former top assassin living incognito as a suburban dad who must take his unsuspecting family on the run when his past cat..." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Giveaway: "*GIVEAWAY ALERT!* We're teaming up with Buffalo Brew Fab to give away a Buffalo-Themed 18" LED Wall Sign ($175 value).⁠ ⁠ This 18" metal sign features the Buffalo Bills logo and bright LED lights that can easily light up any room. Choose..." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Potomac Ave Home: "Potomac Avenue - West Side" (Buffalo Homes via Instagram)
• Steelhead Trout: "From October to April, fishing enthusiasts can reel in world-class steelhead trout in Western New York's abundant creeks and streams. At one particular spot just south of Buffalo, the time has never better to cast out and catch the Big..." (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter at the Holiday Market Fair: "We are excited 🤩 to be attending @mistersizzles Holiday Market Fair🎄Sundays from 11:00-2:00 🐾🐕❤️ #adoptionevent #shopsmall #buffalove @stepoutbuffalo @dogsofbuffalo" (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Buffalo ReUse Statement: "We founded Buffalo ReUse in 2007, with a driving belief that there had to be a better way. We were idealists and visionaries, we saw tremendous needs in our neighborhoods but also limitless potential. Each day and at every meetup in our ..." (Buffalo ReUse via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Buffalo Daily? Contact me at buffalo@patch.com