The New York Times featured another article by Nicolai Ouroussoff, pointing to Buffalo as perhaps “the most intriguing test case for reimagining our failing cities.” Ouroussoff laments the Department of Homeland Security plan that “would require the demolition of five and a half blocks in a diverse working-class neighborhood with a rich architectural history, from late-19th-century Italianate mansions to modest two-family homes built in the 1920s.”

Meanwhile, yesterday’s Buffalo News ran a story quoting Clarence Republican Chris Lee on the issue: “We’re beating a dead horse here,” he said. “We need to focus on the project at hand, which is to get a new Peace Bridge built.” Buffalo Democrat Brian Higgins also chimes in on the issue: “Western New York residents and businesses are sick of studies and setbacks, they just want to see a bridge built. This is a move in the wrong direction.”

Meanwhile, Representative Louise Slaughter says, “Shared border management not only presents the best possible solution to the security and legal issues facing a new Peace Bridge plaza, but also prevents the residents of the historic Peace Bridge neighborhood from being displaced.”

Which begs the question: Is Louise Slaughter the only local politician who reads the New York Times?

City Hall News has flow_chart that tracks who might replace who, from Hillary’s Senate seat on down (click to expand or follow the link—it’s an awkward shape):

The AP reports that Hillary Clinton met with Barack Obama in Chicago yesterday, adding fuel to speculation that she might be Obama’s choice for secretary of state. If that happens, it has long been rumored that Brian Higgins would be appointed to her Senate seat. (BuffaloPundit reports that rumor this morning. And again this afternoon.) I know a couple prominent businessmen who are working to make that happen, and who knows? Downstate Democrats will make that decision, but maybe it’ll come to pass.

If Clinton does go to Obama’s cabinet, and Higgins does take her Senate seat, then who fills Higgins’ spot in the House? Byron Brown has had his eye on Louise Slaughter’s seat, should she retire soon. But Higgins’ seat is probably safer for Brown (for whomever winds up in it, hypothetically). After the 2010 Census, upstate New York is likely to lose another representative in Congress, and Slaughter’s seat might be the one to go. It’s one ugly-looking district:

There has been another rumor that Brown, not Higgins, would be appointed to Clinton’s seat, but that seems nutball. Higgins’ seat seems a more reasonable aspiration for the mayor.

Who, then, would join Mickey Kearns in the race to replace Brown next year?

DANIEL J. HIGGINS, father of congressman Brian Higgins passed away Sunday in Harris Hill Long Term Care Facility, Clarence, after a long illness. He was 77. The Buffalo News quoted Rep. Brian Higgins saying that his father, a former Buffalo South District Common Council member, was his mentor and “a consummate gentleman who led by the eloquence of example. He was just a wonderful father, a wonderful husband and a wonderful example for our family and the entire community,”

BRIAN HIGGINS was also in news asking that federal officials reconsider their axing of the cable stay bridge designed by Christian Menn. Higgins, who initially positioned himself as let’s-just-move-on, now believes the Menn design has been too hastily abandoned.

CITY HONORS PRINCIPAL William Kresse, who recently penned a document critical of unethical interference at his school, and was recently under attack by high-ranking Buffalo Public School officials he named, received a show of support from his teaching staff. The Buffalo News reported today that City Honors teachers released a lengthy statement of support for Kresse. “As teachers at City Honors School, we feel a response in support of our principal, Dr. William Kresse, is necessary,” the teachers said.

THREE TEENS CHARGED IN HAZING INCIDENT. Three varsity and junior varsity baseball players from Wilson High were arrested and charged for a hazing incident that took place on a bus two weeks ago. The teens, all over 16, are charged with aggravated sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. That sounds disturbing. There were multiple victims, all younger than 16. The team is suspended indefinitely.

BUFFALO BILLS DRAFT SELECTIONS – DAY 2
3RD (72) – Chris Ellis / DE / Virginia Tech
4TH (114) – Reggie Corner / CB / Akron
4TH (132) – Derek Fine / TE / Kansas
5TH (147) – Alvin Bowen / LB / Iowa State
6TH (179) – Xavier Omon / RB / N.W. Missouri State
7TH (219) – Demetrius Bell / OT / Northwestern State
7TH (224) – Steve Johnson / WR / Kentucky
7TH (251) – Kenard Cox / CB / Pittsburgh

DENNIS DONOHUE JURY should be in place today. So far 11 of the 12 jurors have now been selected in the Donohue trial. Donohue is charged in the 1993 strangulation of Joan Giambra. He is also the suspect/former boyfriend of Lynn Dejac, who was recently freed for the murder of her own daughter. Several alternate jurors must also be selected. Opening statements should begin tomorrow morning.

THE DOWNTOWN BUS TERMINAL is going to get a $19 million overhaul, according to NFTA officials. Apparently there have been two or three other plans to rehab the old terminal, but because there was always a question of whether the terminal would remain there those plans were shelved. Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra wanted the terminal gone so he could expand Erie Community College’s city campus. Giambra’s pan failed to gain traction. For years, assemblyman Sam Hoyt had floated the idea of an inter-modal transportation site at the old Aud or somewhere downtown, that too failed to get any traction. NFTA head Lawrence Meckler told the Buffalo News, “Now we know we’re going to be here for the foreseeable future, and we can to take steps to make this a great building, an asset to downtown.”