1950s, the construction of the Niagara extension of the New York State Thruway, effectively cut off all access to the Niagara River from neighborhood residents that once had existed at Riverside Park. This, coupled with the large-scale exodus of residents and businesses to the suburbs that was similarly taking place in many other parts of the country, began the long and steady period of decline in Riverside. However, the loss of population in Riverside did not have anything near the devastating impact that was demonstrated on many of the East Side neighborhoods. Geography The neighborhood centers on the intersection of Tonawanda and Ontario Streets, which also serve as the two busiest streets in the community. Vulcan Street runs along the northern edge, which borders with the Town of Tonawanda. Riverside Park, designed by the firm of famed landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted, is located to the west of the neighborhood, between Tonawanda and Niagara Streets. Demographics As of the census of 2000, Riverside had a total population of 10,688. The City of Buffalo had a total population of 292,648. At that time there were 10,688 people, 4,398 households, and 2,677 families residing in the community. There were 4,928 housing units. The racial makeup of Riverside was 88.94% White, 3.66% African American, 1.54% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.96% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. 7.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 4,398 households, out of which 34.92% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.72% were married couples living together, 19.28% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.13% were non-families. 33.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.26% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was about 2.4 and the average family size was about 3.1. In the community, the population included 28.42% under the age of 18, 12.88% from 15 to 24, 30.12% from 25 to 44, 19.64% from 45 to 64, and 13.26% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was approximately 34 years. For every 100 females there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males. Note: All figures based on the United States Census, 2000, Erie County, New York, Census Tracts 57 & 58 Notable