Mayor Brown Announces Start of Recruiting for the Northland Corridor Project Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Buffalo, N.Y. – Mayor Byron W. Brown announced recruiting for the Northland Corridor Project Pre- Apprenticeship Program is underway. The first applications were made available Thursday evening, at the fourth in a series of Community Workforce Outreach meetings regarding the over $60 million project. The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is part of the Northland Project Labor Agreement (PLA) between the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. (BUDC) and the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council for the rehabilitation of 683 Northland Ave into the Northland Workforce Training Center, which was signed in June.
“Through the PLA we are able to ensure Buffalo’s diverse communities will share in promise of construction job opportunities that will come out of this game-changing economic development project.
Among those opportunities is the chance for individuals to explore careers in the construction trades,” Mayor Brown said. “Under the agreement, 20 eight-week, paid, pre-apprenticeship training slots will be available. Successful completion of the program is a pathway to full apprenticeships and well-paying careers in the trades.”
The small group training sessions will be taught by journeymen from the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council. The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program uses a “holistic approach” to basic skills development, including construction related mathematics, job search training, and exposure to various fields of skilled labor and their professional cultures.
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Mayor Brown Announces First in Series of Next Generation Design Projects
Major Bridge and Streetscape investment will further revitalize Cazenovia Park area,
modernize infrastructure and boost local economy on Abbott Road
Buffalo – Mayor Byron W. Brown, State Senator Timothy Kennedy, and South District Council Member Christopher Scanlon today announced the scope of a $5 million infrastructure improvement project in South Buffalo. The project, funded in last year’s State Budget as part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s key priority infrastructure advancement plan, includes the rehabilitation of the Warren Spahn Bridge, streetscape improvements to Abbott Road and continues Mayor Brown’s plan to transform all City neighborhoods into vibrant communities where residents and business owners can continue to live, work and invest.
“I am extremely pleased to be able to announce the scope of yet another milestone project that continues the remarkable revitalization in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m grateful to Governor Andrew Cuomo, the State Department of Transportation and our State Legislators for delivering the funding for this important design project. We’re happy to unveil the scope of the first phase of this project today which continues my plan to transform all City neighborhoods into vibrant communities that support local businesses, foster growth and have ripple effects that will keep our City moving forward for decades to come.”
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Mayor Brown Announces The Opening of Broderick Station
July 14 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and Niagara District Council Member David Rivera, joined by State Assembly Member Sean Ryan, Jon Dandes of Be Our Guest, Ltd., Deputy Parks Commissioner Andrew Rabb and other Broderick Park community supporters, today attended the ceremonial grand opening of “Broderick Park Station”, a new food experience at Broderick Park. Be Our Guest, Ltd. - a Rich Products Subsidiary - will operate the concession stand.
“This is another great new amenity and a wonderful complement to the newly renovated Broderick Park which is growing in popularity as another one of our City’s wonderful waterfront destinations, as well as a tourist attraction as a designated Network to Freedom site by the U.S. National Parks Service, ” said Mayor Brown. “I look forward to partnering with Be Our Guest, Ltd. on this new concession stand program at Broderick Park which continues to draw on Buffalo’s rich food traditions and restaurant scene.”
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Former Buffalo Public School 59 Redeveloped into Affordable Parkview Apartments
July 13 - New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), R+A+R Development and SA+A Development formally celebrated the opening of Parkview Apartments, an $8 million project that converted the vacant Public School 59 building in the East Side community of Buffalo to 26 units of affordable apartments for low-income New Yorkers. Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, joined HCR, R+A+R, S+A, Mayor Byron Brown, Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, Senator Tim Kennedy, and development and community partners for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Lieutenant Governor Hochul said, “The rehabilitation of School 59 into affordable housing units brings hope and opportunity to Buffalo’s East Side, both for future residents and for the community leaders who were our partners in making this project a reality. Buffalo’s economic rebirth and the revitalization of the East Side are signature priorities for Governor Cuomo, as is his fight against homelessness here and across New York State. With the opening of Parkview Apartments, we take another major step toward reaching all those goals.”
The four-story, 36,000 square-foot building at 769 Best Street was constructed in 1901. It now includes a community room, laundry room, laundry facilities, an elevator and playground. Parkview is directly across the street from Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, and is near shopping and services. Rent plus utilities range from $362 to $751 a month and are affordable to households at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
“All of Buffalo’s residents deserve a safe and affordable place to live, and as we build a City of opportunity, to ensure everyone benefits from Buffalo’s rising prosperity, we’re focused on our continued commitment to further strengthen neighborhoods by providing the best housing possible,” said Mayor Byron Brown.
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Mayor Brown and Mayor Redekop Celebrate Friendship Between Buffalo and Fort Erie
Mayor Byron W. Brown and Fort Erie Mayor Wayne H. Redekop kick off festivities for the 31st annual Fort Erie Friendship Festival
Buffalo – As part of the kick-off to the annual Fort Erie Friendship Festival, Mayor Byron W. Brown and Mayor Wayne H. Redekop gathered on the steps of Buffalo City Hall to recognize the strong and continued friendship between the two cities, as well as between the United States and Canada. The Mayors celebrated the relationship between Buffalo and Southern Niagara, particularly the cultural and economic trade that both regions have established and continue to further strengthen year after year.
“We are thankful that we have such a great relationship with our neighbors to the North,” said Mayor Brown. “Our friendship continues to strengthen and enrich both of our regions, and we can only foresee more economic growth and progress as a result of our very strong relationship.”
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Mayor Brown, Council Member Feroleto Announce Developer Chosen to Transform Former North Park Library into an Italian Cultural Center
$1 million redevelopment project furthers Mayor Brown’s commitment to strengthen neighborhoods citywide, fostering increased investment and job growth
July 12 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto announced today that a team from Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo has been chosen to develop an Italian Cultural Center at the former North Park Library, located at the corner of Hertel and Delaware.
“I’m encouraged by the positive momentum we continue to see in neighborhoods Citywide and with more people wanting to live and work in Buffalo, the new Italian Cultural Center will restore this beautiful building in one of Buffalo’s many wonderful neighborhoods,” said Mayor Brown. “I look forward to working with Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo on the transformation of the former North Park Library.”
Council Member Feroleto stated, “We are excited to see the rehabilitation of this historic building. To have an Italian Cultural Center located in the heart of North Buffalo will further strengthen our position as a destination place for all individuals, families and businesses.”
The 90-year-old-plus former North Park Library, located on the corner of Delaware and Hertel, was recently granted landmark status by the Buffalo Common Council. The Designated Developer, Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo, is proposing to redevelop the former library into an Italian Cultural Center at an estimated cost of $1 million.
“The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo is thrilled to be designated as developer for this vital project that will benefit Buffalo for generations to come,” said Dr. Frank Giacobbe of the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo. “The cultural center will further strengthen the Hertel Business District, while promoting Italian culture throughout Buffalo and Western New York.”
The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote Italian culture and history in the Western New York area. The new Cultural Center will be a meeting place where Italians, Italian-Americans, and members of every community with an interest in Italian culture will gather to celebrate Italian culture and traditions.
After significant input from the community, the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo best demonstrated its ability to be a partner in development. Mayor Brown concluded, “We look forward to working with Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo on this exciting initiative that marks the beginning of a new era for the former North Park Library.”
Mayor Brown Kicks Off Outdoor Pool Season
July 3 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and Niagara District Council Member David Rivera joined city families at Centennial Pool in LaSalle Park today to launch the 2017 City of Buffalo summer pool season. To kick off the celebration, Mayor Brown invited children to take part in the ceremonial “First Jump”.
“My administration is constantly working to make this city an even greater place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Brown. “With 8 outdoor pools, 11 splash pads and 2 wading pools, our facilities provide a great respite for those who love the water.”
All city pools, except Shoshone Pool, opened on July First and will remain open through Labor Day. Pool hours are: 11am – 7pm, 6 days a weeks, closed one day weekly as posted at each pool. City splash pads are now open, too. Shoshone Pool is currently undergoing $1.2 million in renovations and will be closed for the season.
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Mayor Brown Opens Temporary Police Substation at Canalside
July 1 – In a continued effort to make destinations even safer this summer, Mayor Byron W. Brown and Council President Darius Pridgen, joined by Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, DPW Commissioner Steve Stepniak, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) President Thomas Dee, Canalside General Manager Matt LaSota, and President of Rich Baseball Operations and Be Our Guest Ltd. Jonathan A. Dandes, officially opened a new temporary police substation at Canalside. The police substation is located at the corner of Marine Drive and Hanover.
“Making sure our city residents and visitors have an enjoyable experience in Buffalo is a top priority of my administration and the new temporary Canalside police substation will help further enhance safety and security at one of our City’s most popular new destinations,” said Mayor Brown.
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Mayor Brown Gets Lyft to Work to Kick-off the Ride-Sharing Era in Buffalo
June 29 – Mayor Byron W. Brown arrived at City Hall this morning with Lyft driver, Buffalo resident Barbra Dowell, behind the wheel, kicking off the era of ride-sharing in Buffalo.
The Mayor proactively pushed for expansion of ride-sharing beyond the New York City area for over two years, and was joined by the mayors of Rochester, Syracuse and Albany in an Open Letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo, supporting the statewide group, New Yorkers for Ridesharing, citing how this transportation option is critical to continued economic growth.
“I had a great experience taking Lyft to work this morning. My ride arrived right on time and I had a nice chat with Barbara on the way about why she became a Lyft driver. As I’d hoped, the State Legislature’s approval of ride-sharing for all New York cities that want to participate, so companies like Lyft offer an innovative platform on which people who wish to make extra money using their cars can give rides to people who wish to get places within the city safely and conveniently,” Mayor Brown said.
“I drive my friends around all the time, so I figured I might as well get paid for it,” said Ms. Dowell, who drove the Mayor to work to kick-off Lyft service in Buffalo.
The single mom, who works as a certified nursing assistant, said she’s looking forward to making extra money as a Lyft driver.
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Mayor Brown, City of Buffalo Sponsor Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day
June 29 – Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown announced that the City of Buffalo will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, July 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at BPS #69 Houghton Academy at 1725 Clinton Street, Buffalo, New York.
On Household Hazardous Waste Day, the Department of Public Works will collect a number of every day household items which are no longer in use by residents and should not be thrown away with regular garbage or in curbside recycling carts.
Some of the items accepted include pesticides, fertilizers, pool and household chemicals/cleaners, oil-based paints, spray cans, paint thinner, stripper and solvents, batteries, oil, gasoline, kerosene and antifreeze, tires, electronic waste and fluorescent light bulbs. A more detailed list of acceptable and unacceptable items is attached.
“This is a safe, smart, and free way of disposing of materials that could be hazardous to residents, and we encourage people to start saving these items now and drop them off to us on July 8th”, said Mayor Brown.
All items will be disposed or recycled in a responsible and environmentally safe manner. For more information, please call 311 or 851-4890 or visit www.buffalorecycles.org.
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Mayor Brown Celebrates Start of Summer at 'Splish Splash Summer Bash' at MLK JR Park
June 25 – Mayor Byron W. Brown joined representatives from the Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy and BlueCross Blue Shield of Western New York for the Conservancy’s Splish Splash Summer Bash 2017 held at MLK Jr. Park. The event celebrates the start of summer and school summer vacation. Activities included the BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Zone Cruiser, free face-painting, balloon art, arts and crafts and healthy snacks from Ashker’s and James Desiderio Inc. The festivities were held in collaboration with BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and the City of Buffalo.
“I thank BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy for partnering with my Administration to preserve and promote this world-class community attraction for our City residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Mayor Brown. “We take great pride in the MLK Splash Pad and the many other community investments we are spearheading in Buffalo to enhance the quality of life for all of our residents.”
“We are celebrating our 7th year of corporate partnership with BlueCross BlueShield in support of Olmsted’s historic Humboldt basin, and the 5th year of this splish splash healthy zone in MLK Jr. Park,” said Stephanie Crockatt, executive director, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “What a great achievement! This summer at MLK is very special place to be as we look to unveil the restored Casino, and I want to thank Mayor Byron Brown and the City of Buffalo, as well as the special funding provided by Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples Stokes. These types of public-private-nonprofit partnerships continue to make such a critical difference here at MLK, and across the Olmsted park system.”
The five-acre MLK splash pad, a designated BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Healthy Zone, is part of the city's $4.5 million all-season water attraction that opened during the summer of 2013. It is a reflecting pool during the spring and fall, and an old-fashioned ice rink during the winter.
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Mayor Brown, BUDC Kick Off 2017 Spring Edition of Queen City Pop-Up
Queen City Pop-Up: 2017 Spring Edition runs from June 22, 2017 through September 1, 2017
June 23 – Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), Buffalo Place and Working for Downtown kicked off the Queen City Pop-Up: 2017 Spring Edition at the Brisbane Building, located at 403 Main Street, across from Lafayette Square. Queen City Pop-Up, launched in 2014, is downtown’s first pop-up retail program designed to encourage retail activity along Main Street by creating new “pop-up” shops that feature local retailers. The program brings vibrancy to empty storefronts by filling them with retailers on a short time basis, free of charge, and lets retailers test their product in the downtown marketplace. Brisbane Realty Associates, LLC has generously agreed to sponsor the retail space for the 2017 Spring Edition Queen City Pop-Up participants.
The Queen City Pop Up program has been extremely successful, with previous participants reporting sales increases of over 50% and exposure to a much broader customer base. These outcomes have resulted in several previous participants opening permanent locations on Main Street following successful experiences with Queen City Pop Up.
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Mayor Brown Accepts Ceremonial Check for City Recycling Education Fund
June 21 - Modern Disposal Services presented a ceremonial check to Mayor Byron W. Brown today in support of the City of Buffalo’s Recycling Education Fund, which is required as part of Modern’s recycling contract with the City of Buffalo.
“The City of Buffalo is committed to recycling,” said Mayor Brown. “I thank Modern Disposal Services for our shared commitment to boosting the recycling rate in Buffalo and these funds will help us continue to raise awareness about the importance of recycling. “
“We’re extremely proud to have partnered with Mayor Brown and The City of Buffalo in helping to boost recycling rates citywide,” said Mike McInerney, the CEO of Modern Disposal Service. “We are excited to help support Buffalo’s continued efforts to create a better, cleaner Buffalo and be able to give something back to city residents as a thank you for their effort and responsibility as recyclers.”
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Mayor Brown Honors World Refugee Day With Lighting of the Dome at City Hall
Mayor Brown joins with Journey’s End Refugee Services and the Peace Bridge Authority in honoring World Refugee Day in the City of Buffalo.
June 20 – In recognition of World Refugee Day, Mayor Byron W. Brown will direct that the dome of City Hall be lit blue. World Refugee Day is internationally recognized and observed on June 20th across the globe. The June 20 observance date was established by the United Nations as an annual commemoration to recognize refugees and displaced individuals for their courage and resilience in the face of conflict and persecution.
“Today we take a moment to reflect upon the strength and resilience of refugees as they work to establish new lives and resettle in welcoming cities like Buffalo, New York. We value their contributions, we value their entrepreneurial spirit, we value their cultures and the diversity they bring to our City. I’m glad to have City Hall join with Journey’s End Refugee Services and the Peace Bridge Authority to recognize the day,” said Mayor Brown.
The Peace Bridge Authority has partnered with Journey’s End Refugee Services to light the Peace Bridge blue, in observance of World Refugee Day. The City of Buffalo is currently celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month throughout June and will see a number of World Refugee Day events, including a World Refugee Day soccer tournament and cultural celebration on July 1, 2017.
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Lyft Driver Fair in Buffalo Tuesday, June 20
June 18 - Lyft is looking for drivers as it prepares to do business in Buffalo. Representatives from Lyft, The City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC) will be on hand to walk applicants through the application process to be a driver for Lyft ride sharing, which is coming to Buffalo June 29th! The Driver Fair will be held at the Buffalo Employment and Training Center at 77 Goodell Street Buffalo, NY from 4 pm to 7 pm.
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Mayor Brown and The Colored Musicians Club Unveil Musical Lineup for CMC Jazz Festival Presented by M&T Bank
June 17 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and musicians from the Colored Musicians Club today unveiled the main acts of the 2017 Colored Musicians Club Jazz Festival presented by M&T Bank. They outlined the six full days of the week-long festival, a celebration of Jazz culture in Buffalo as part of the 100th year anniversary of the Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo. The CMC Jazz Festival Presented by M&T Bank will take place at multiple venues throughout Buffalo, including the Queen City Social, sponsored by M&T Bank and managed by Buffalo Place.
Mayor Brown stated, “One hundred years ago, there was a group of artists, musicians and innovators of color in Buffalo who understood that, fundamentally, through music, we could open minds, enrich souls, warm hearts and inspire genius. The CMC Jazz Festival Presented by M&T Bank honors the historic club’s 100 year anniversary with its largest roster of internationally acclaimed, as well as, regional performers for six full days of music and events for the entire family. I encourage city residents and visitors to attend this week-long celebration in Buffalo.”
The centennial will be celebrated citywide in the area’s most revered venues from Monday, July 24 through Saturday, July 29, 2017. Albright-Knox, 9th Ward at Babeville, Pausa Art House, Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center, Larkin Square, Fountain Plaza in Downtown Buffalo and the Historic CMC will host this summer’s hottest ticket in jazz music and entertainment. This is a celebration for the entire family as Saturday’s events include an official Kid’s Tent sponsored by Explore and More Children’s Museum.
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Mayor Brown Announces Start of Architectural Restoration of the McKinley Monument in Niagara Square
The nearly $647,000 project includes replacement of missing damaged marble with marble from the Vermont quarry where stone for the 110-year-old landmark was originally mined; the obelisk, and fountain at its base, will also be cleaned
June 12 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced the iconic McKinley Monument, located in the center of downtown Buffalo’s Niagara Square, is undergoing a nearly $647,000 architectural restoration. The restoration is being paid for with capital bond funds recommended by the Mayor, approved by the Buffalo Common Council and assigned to the Buffalo Arts Commission.
“The McKinley Monument is one of Buffalo’s best known landmarks, and is a critical piece of Buffalo’s history, commemorating the assassination of President William McKinley at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. As custodian of this iconic structure, the City of Buffalo will restore its majesty,” Mayor Brown said.
“Since 2006, my Administration has allocated more than $1.4 million on monument restoration and portrait conservation. That work included $212,000 at Gates Circle, plus more than a dozen of other monuments in every part of the City to preserve our City’s history, and honor those whose contributions enrich our lives,” Mayor Brown added.
The project includes the 96-foot tall marble obelisk replacement of missing and damaged white marble, mortar replacement, and removal of all foreign matter. The fountain at its base will also be carefully cleaned and relined, and the marble turtle and dolphin fountain spouts, as well as the four lions surrounding the fountain, will be cleaned.
Two bollards, the stone poles which ring the perimeter of the fountain, will be replaced with exact replicas. One is badly cracked and the other is deteriorating. The restoration work will also include refurbishing of granite components.
“The City of Buffalo takes seriously its charge to care for this memorial to one of our four assassinated presidents. The Arts Commission has been looking forward to the start of this wonderful project,” said Catherine Gillespie, Chairperson, of the Buffalo Arts Commission.
The City’s Department of Public Works worked with the Arts Commission, along with Flynn Battaglia Architects of Buffalo, to determine the scope of the project and select a firm to undertake the restoration. Buffalo’s Morris Masonry Restoration, which has a strong resume of stone restoration locally and nationally, will perform the work.
“It’s always exciting when we are involved in a project that preserves a key piece of Buffalo’s history. Our department’s architect, Brian Swartz, began the planning for this project in 2015 and has overseen all the details of historic research, design, evaluation, and approvals while collaborating with the Buffalo Arts Commission. This project is a true restoration”, said City of Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Steven J. Stepniak.
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Mayor Brown, Juneteenth Festival Host Flag Raising Ceremony
June 9 – In honor of the 42nd annual Juneteenth Festival in Buffalo, Mayor Byron Brown and members of the Juneteenth Festival committee raised the African Heritage Flag in Niagara Square.
“Buffalo is honored to host the largest Juneteenth celebration in the nation,” said Mayor Brown. “This festive and popular event preserves the African American culture in our City and gets better and better every year, bringing visitors to our City and providing an important celebration year after year for our residents citywide.”
Juneteenth is the oldest known observance of the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration began on June 19, 1865, the day Major General Gordon Granger of the Union Army rode into Galveston, Texas in final execution of the Emancipation Proclamation - two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed it. Juneteenth celebrations today commemorate that memorable day in 1865 and emphasize the achievements of African Americans. Marked by community celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings, it is a time for reflection and rejoicing, self-assessment and planning for the future.
The festival in Buffalo runs from Saturday, June 17 through Sunday, June 18 in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, beginning with a parade on Saturday. There will be live entertainment performances, a vendor marketplace, food court, health pavilion, book fair, historical exhibits, children’s activities and more.
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Mayor Brown, BUDC Announce Community Workforce Agreement for Northland Workforce Training Center Project
June 9 - Mayor Byron W. Brown, Chairman of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation, is pleased to announce the signing of the Northland Project Labor Agreement (PLA) between the Buffalo Urban Development Corp. (BUDC) and the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council for the rehabilitation of 683 Northland Ave into the Northland Workforce Training Center. Last month, the demolition of buildings began at the site of the $60 million Northland Corridor project, marking the physical start of the transformation of the 35-acre site into a light industrial business hub that will include the state-of-the-art workforce training center. The PLA will ensure that the training center will be built on time and within budget with a highly skilled, diverse workforce, while at the same time providing training opportunities for the next generation of skilled construction tradesmen and women. Mayor Brown stated, “By working together with the Building and Construction Trades Council, we’ve arrived at a great agreement that will ensure that Buffalo’s diverse communities benefit from these construction opportunities and jobs. And, the promise of job opportunities presented today will be consistently monitored, ensuring that all city residents can participate in the economic lifeblood of our city.” During his remarks, Mayor Brown commended BUDC President Director Peter Cammarata, Chief Diversity Officer Crystal Rodriguez, Paul Brown President of the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council, Sam Capitano of Laborers 210 and other Trade leaders, and Anna Falicov from the COB Legal Department for working so hard on this PLA that will expand opportunities for city residents and ensure a successful project.
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2017 Clean Sweep Initiative is Now Underway
Mayor Brown, Council Member Wyatt kicked off the annual Neighborhood Improvement Program in the City of Buffalo’s University District
June 7 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt today announced the official start of the 2017 Clean Sweep initiative. Over the next six months, the Save Our Streets Task Force plans to conduct over 30 ‘Clean Sweeps’ to assist in the delivery of services throughout the City of Buffalo.
“I am proud of the continued collaboration between so many community partners and commend the efforts of Clean Sweep participants to improve the overall quality of life in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “We’ve made it a priority to address blight and quality of life issues in each City Council District at least once this season. I look forward to beginning another year of Clean Sweeps for the benefit of our residents and their neighborhoods.”
The official Clean Sweep kick off occurred in the University District, where a number of city services were performed including the removal of debris and graffiti, house board ups, lawn mowing and the distribution of reading rules applications, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Mayor Brown Announces Curbside Recycling Milestone in Buffalo
June 6 – As Mayor Byron W. Brown continues to market 34andMore, a citywide public awareness campaign aimed at further boosting Buffalo’s recycling rate, he announced today that city residents achieved their highest month of recycling in May. Last month, the City’s curbside “green tote” program collected 1513.77 tons, or 3, 027,540 pounds. That’s the weight of 252 elephants, which could fill a football stadium 6 feet high!
“Congratulations to city residents, and thank you for continuing to embrace our efforts to recycle in Buffalo by helping us achieve our highest month of recycling ever,” said Mayor Brown. “Increasing recycling in Buffalo is among my top priorities, and we’ve been working hard since the launch of 34andMore Buffalo Recycles! - which included a series of television and radio ads, billboards - and now our newest program, called Let’s Do This! Let’s Do This! is a friendly block club recycling competition that complements all of our efforts as we continue to ensure that Buffalo continues to go greener every day.”
Mayor Brown’s curbside recycling program has and will continue to play a pivotal role in helping the City to achieve its goal of diverting material from the landfill by over 34%, exceeding the national average. The recyclables that the City collects in its green tote program are a valuable resource; they are sent to facilities where they are processed into new products. Using recyclable materials in the manufacturing process helps to conserve natural resources and reduce energy consumption.
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Mayor Brown Joins The Wear Orange Campaign on June 2 for National Gun Violence Awareness Day
June 2 – As part of his continued commitment to end gun violence in Buffalo and in cities across the country, Mayor Byron W. Brown issued a proclamation that declared June 2, 2017 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the City of Buffalo. Read Proclamation
"Every shooting affects the lives of a countless number of people and there is nothing more powerful than for our entire city to stand united together to make Buffalo an even safer city to live, work and invest,” said Mayor Brown. “I am proud to join with my colleagues in government, community members and anti-violence advocates to continue to raise awareness about gun violence prevention on National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Buffalo. The Wear Orange Campaign in Buffalo will be quite visible and it’s my hope that it will bring people together to eliminate gun violence in our city.”
The Wear Orange movement began after the shooting death of a Chicago teen named Hadiya Pendleton in 2013. Today, Mayor Brown joined Mayors across the country in wearing orange as part of the Wear Orange Campaign, followed by making several updates on how the city plans to recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month to address the issue of gun violence prevention.
Since 2006, the Brown Administration has and continues to focus on two equally important goals: to keep neighborhoods safe and to build solid police-community relations.
- The crime rate has dropped by over 35 percent since 2005
- From the Brown administration’s Zero Tolerance policing policy, to numerous collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies and partnerships with organizations, including Buffalo Peacemakers, that have resulted in successful arrests and convictions, to adding more surveillance cameras and removing over 15,000 illegal guns, local strategies continue to produce results
For more information, go to www.bpdny.org - Twitter: @BPDAlerts - Facebook: Buffalo Police Department - Instagram: BUFFALO_POLICE_DEPT.
After A Decade of Stewardship, Buffalo Brownfield Restoration Corp. Saves "Trico" with Transfer of Ownership to the Krog Group
May 31 – The “designated developer” has now become the “proud owner” of the iconic Trico Headquarter Building on Washington Street, the birthplace of the windshield wiper. The Krog Group is moving forward with plans for an $80 million mixed-use facility that will complement the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the new University at Buffalo Medical School. Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Chair of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and its affiliate Buffalo Brownfield Restoration Corporation, announced that The Krog Group has closed on the property and will convert the 600,000-square-foot building into a hotel, apartments and other commercial uses.
“After ten years of hard work on one of the most difficult development projects in the City, I’m pleased to announce the finalization of the real estate transaction, so the plans can move forward on this important adaptive re-use project at one of Buffalo’s historically significant buildings,” said Mayor Brown. “Krog will breathe new life into this vacant building that was threatened with demolition, and will now provide future investment and job growth in Buffalo.”
Peter Krog, P.E. and founder of The Krog Group stated, “The Krog Group is thrilled to be part of the continued resurgence of downtown Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Trico is an important part of Buffalo’s history, but the building had fallen into a state of disrepair. While we still face many construction challenges, we’re confident that our adaptive re-use plan will return the Trico Building to prominence and serve as a useful and complimentary addition to the Medical Campus.”
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Parking Made Easy in Buffalo! Mayor Brown Announces The Official Launch of Mobile Parking App
May 30 – Mayor Byron W. Brown rolled out a new Citywide mobile parking application, called “Buffalo Roam”, which went live today. Over the Memorial holiday weekend, city parking crews installed signs and decals on the sides of meters, listing new zone numbers, as part of a new custom citywide mobile parking application. The new signs and decals identify each of the designated parking blocks with a distinctive “Zone Number”. Mayor Brown, the Buffalo Common Council and the City’s Parking Department, worked closely with global parking app leader, Passport, to create “Buffalo Roam”, a customized parking app specific to the Buffalo community.
“We’ve launched a citywide customized pay-by-app parking application to keep up with the increasing demand, further improve the downtown experience and improve parking operations,” said Mayor Brown. “Buffalo Roam is the latest example of our work to continue to enhance parking and driving in Buffalo. Passport’s advanced mobile payment technology is the clear industry-leader and they were the best choice for developing our official Buffalo parking app.”
This system, the latest in a series of advances to improve the ease and efficiency of parking in Buffalo, allows motorists to forego coin/credit card payments at the meters, and instead pay on the go with their mobile device. The technology will also warn motorists when their time is about to expire through the app, and gives parkers the flexibility to extend their parking session (by up to one hour).
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Mayor Brown Kicks Off 16th Annual Summer Reading Challenge
May 24 – In a continued effort to encourage students to keep reading throughout the summer months, Mayor Byron Brown, joined today by hundreds of students from Waterfront Elementary and Reading Rules partners, kicked-off the 16th annual Mayor Byron W. Brown’s Reading Rules! Kids Summer Reading Challenge.
“The City of Buffalo has an extraordinary literary history and legacy that we hope to make even stronger by helping to improve literacy among young people in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m pleased to kick off my 16th Anniversary Reading Rules Challenge, and I encourage all city youth to sign up today and participate.”
“Reading Rules!” began in 2001, when Mayor Brown served in the New York State Senate, as a way to address the literacy problem in New York State, specifically in Buffalo and Western New York. Since becoming Mayor, nearly 13,000 students have completed the reading challenge, and submitted written summaries of each book they had read. Mayor Brown remarked that, “Reading Rules! is one of our hallmark initiatives and it gets better and better as the years go on.”
Children entering grades K-8 must read 7 books from the provided list over the course of the summer, write a brief summary of 8-10 sentences on each and then return the summaries to Mayor Brown in exchange for an invitation to a the program’s final ceremony, which will be held in August. Each student will receive a certificate of achievement and many great prizes donated by the program’s sponsors. High School students entering 9-12 must read at least 4 books to qualify.
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Mayor Brown Announces Final Stages Of Martin King Jr. Park Casino Upgrades
May 24 – As part of National Public Works Week recognitions in Buffalo, Mayor Byron W. Brown announced that the $2.6 million Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Casino upgrade is entering the final stages of completion. The project, which is being completed in three-phases, will provide the Fillmore Avenue area with another community venue for public gatherings and concession stands for summer and winter activities.
“This project adds to the major investment my Administration has made in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park area,” said Mayor Brown, noting the $4.5 million MLK Park Water Attraction and the $2.2 million Fillmore Avenue Streetscape. “The Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Casino will be a huge benefit to the new community programming that is taking place at the park. This key investment will further improve the quality of life for residents in the immediate area and those who visit this historic Olmsted Park.”
In Phase one of the project, the exterior of the building was reconstructed; including a new insulated roof system, exterior brickwork, and the restoration of all of the existing wood windows to their original 1926 appearance to maintain their historical design. New exterior wood doors were also installed on the east side of the building facing the splash pad. Environmental abatement was completed removing asbestos and lead paint. Phase two utilized New York State Dormitory funds to create usable space for new programming, a community gathering space, a storage room for ice-skating in the MLK splash pad, two offices, a conference room, a restroom, and an ADA ramp was installed as well.
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Mayor Brown, Buffalo DPW Celebrate National Public Works Week
May 23 – PUBLIC WORKS CONNECTS US is the theme of this year’s National Public Works Week, and the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works (DPW) plays a major role in connecting the Buffalo Community. From further improving infrastructure citywide, including roadways, sidewalks, and buildings, to delivering excellent drinking water, promoting recycling, and beautifying our neighborhood parks, Public Works touches the lives of city residents and business owners every day.
“We have a highly effective and dedicated workforce that touches the lives of Buffalo residents, business owners and visitors every day,” said Mayor Brown. “Whether they are repairing roadways, fixing sidewalks and curbs or improving our parks, DPW works daily to deliver leading public works services that enhance residents’ quality of life. Please join us this week as we celebrate the important role Public Works employees play in making our City thrive.”
DPW Week runs from May 21-27, 2017. To kick off the week, Mayor Byron W. Brown today recognized the contributions of DPW workers by issuing a proclamation, declaring May 23, 2017 as Buffalo Department of Public Works Day. The top of City Hall will be lit in ‘orange’ throughout the week, as part of this recognition.
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Mayor Brown, City of Buffalo and University of Buffalo Sponsor Community Recycling Event
BUFFALO – Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo will sponsor a Community Shredding and Recycling Event on Saturday, May 20th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM Community groups Citizens Alliance and the Square Block Club will be hosting the event located at the 836 East Delavan Avenue.
The Community Shredding Event is designed for residents to safely and securely shred and recycle their confidential personal papers. Papers suitable for shredding include any confidential documents containing account numbers or social security numbers, bank or medical statements, tax documents, or other paper items of a personal nature. There will be a five (5) box limit per vehicle, and all materials will be shredded on-site.
“I encourage city residents to bring their household and personal papers to this community shredding event that is designed to help fight identity theft,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “I am pleased that the city and the University of Buffalo are teaming up to provide this important public service to residents at no cost.”
The City will also accept bicycles in any condition on behalf of GObike of Buffalo. The Recycle-a-Bike program works with at risk students to teach them about bicycle repair and maintenance, as well as safety, health and the environment, while building their own bike from refurbished parts.
Also participating in the event is Mayor Brown’s Western New York Coalition for Donated Goods (WNYCDG). WNYCDG, a consortium on nonprofit organizations, will accept clothing, including worn and torn items, shoes and other textiles like sheets and blankets. All material collected will be used to support local community services.
For additional information visit www.buffalorecycles.org or please call 311 or 716-851-4890.
Mayor Brown and Small Business Owners Unveil Marketing Videos Designed to Showcase Buffalo as a Great Place to Invest and Operate a Business
BUFFALO– As part of his continued commitment to celebrate and promote the diverse and independent small businesses that enrich neighborhoods Citywide and create jobs, Mayor Byron W. Brown and University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, joined by Small Business Owners and representatives from Invest Buffalo Niagara, Visit Buffalo Niagara and The Buffalo Niagara Partnership, celebrated National Economic Development Week by releasing a series of short videos that promote Buffalo as a great place to invest and operate a business. Spearheaded by Mayor Brown, the videos feature a number of small business owners in Buffalo.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and today we’re here to mark Economic Development Week in Buffalo by supporting the vital role of small business in Buffalo that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and increase the quality of life in our community,” said Mayor Brown. “As part of my continued commitment to celebrate and promote the diverse and independent small businesses that enrich neighborhoods Citywide, I’m pleased to unveil new marketing videos that showcase Buffalo as a great place to invest and operate a business. I thank Invest Buffalo Niagara for working in partnership with us on this strategic initiative which markets Buffalo as a great place for minority entrepreneurs to start and grow a business, and also promotes our City as a great startup City with an enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit.”
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Mayor Brown Presents On-Time and Balanced Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Proposed Budget
May 1 – For the twelfth consecutive year, Mayor Byron W. Brown presented an on-time and responsible budget for the City of Buffalo, Fiscal Year 2017-2018. Mayor Brown stated, “As the City of Buffalo continues to experience unprecedented growth and economic development, my Administration has once again recommended a fiscally responsible budget and long-term financial plan that maintains affordability, efficient delivery of services, and quality of life. For the twelfth consecutive year, I am proposing an on-time and responsible budget for the City of Buffalo, Fiscal Year 2017-2018. This spending plan reflects my Administration’s continued commitment to making government more efficient and reliable, while providing tax certainty to residents and businesses who own property in the City of Buffalo.”
Mayor Brown’s recommended budget for 2017-2018 totals nearly $500 million. This represents a slight increase of $5.7 million – or 1.1%. Mayor Brown recognized the work and contribution of Donna Estrich, Commissioner of Administration, Finance, Policy and Urban Affairs, and members of his Fiscal Sub-Cabinet, who provided valuable input to help shape the city’s budget.
“We’ve made progress and are providing opportunity for our residents,” Mayor Brown continued. “I am proud that we have built a safer, smarter, stronger Buffalo, encouraged investment, maintained our infrastructure while efficiently delivering services, and continued to invest in our world-class cultural and community organizations.”
Over the last decade, Buffalo’s economic outlook and skyline has seen a remarkable transformation, with significant and visible progress occurring citywide. Currently, there is more than $6 billion in economic development underway across the City of Buffalo, with new jobs being created.
Mayor Brown reaffirmed his key priority areas of focus, and stated that his 2017-2018 Budget continues to provide resources for each of these areas: economic development and job growth, quality of life improvements, and the efficiency of City Services.
This spending plan builds on the strong economic foundation that the Brown Administration has built since he was sworn in as Mayor in 2006, while continuing to re-imagine how Buffalo grows as a City. It also continues to improve the level of service that the City of Buffalo provides for its residents and businesses, while implementing new and creative initiatives designed to create efficiencies, achieve savings and ensure that all people share in the opportunities that are growing in the City of Buffalo.
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Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Bisons Host Diversity Job Fair
This is Event #2 of Buffalo Works: A Week of Employment Opportunity Events in Buffalo
April 25 – Buffalo Works: A week of employment opportunities continues tonight with a job fair at the Buffalo Employment and Training Center (BETC). Residents looking for a job will be able to learn about openings at Canalside, the Outer Harbor, Broderick Park, Rich Products and the Buffalo Bisons. Mayor Byron W. Brown and Jonathan Dandes, President of Rich Products, are happy to bring this second night of job fairs to city residents.
“Economic development continues to move our city forward. We want city residents to have the opportunity to take advantage of the investments being made in Buffalo by obtaining good paying jobs,” said Mayor Brown noting that volunteers have distributed over 13,000 flyers being distributed in neighborhoods. “This is a great partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New York State Department of Labor, my colleagues in government, BETC, BUDC, CASNY, our clergy and other local organizations as we work together on our shared goal of lifting up all people in Buffalo by leveraging every available community resource.”
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Mayor Brown Announces Buffalo News Kids Day in the City of Buffalo
Mayor Byron Brown and County Executive Mark Poloncarz proclaim April 25, 2017 “Buffalo News Kids Day” in the City of Buffalo and Erie County
April 18 – Mayor Byron Brown announced today that the Buffalo News’ annual “Special Kids Day Edition Sale” will take place on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 to benefit Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Cradle Beach and all children in the Western New York (WNY) region. Women & Children’s will use the funds to continue their mission to deliver the highest quality care to the children and mothers of the WNY community.
Mayor Brown was joined by Jody Lomeo, President and CEO of both Kaleida Health and the Great Lakes Healthy System of Western New York, Allegra Jaros, President of Women & Children's Hospital, Lisa Cislo, Promotions Coordinator at the Buffalo News; Carol Horton, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at The Buffalo News; and Andi Baker, from Tops Friendly Markets.
“Kids Day is always an event that I look forward to,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m so proud to be a part of this annual tradition for a good cause and I encourage city residents and visitors to support Kids Day by buying this special edition of the Buffalo News on April 25th. I also thank the many volunteers for their commitment and dedication to this event, which helps improve the quality of life for so many of our children and their families.”
Since 1983, the profits made from the Special Kids Day Edition Sale have totaled more than $4.6 million and have helped children all across WNY.
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Mayor Brown, Council Member Fontana Launched 2017 Citywide Sidewalk Improvement Program
April 12 - Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown, Lovejoy Council Member Richard A. Fontana and Department of Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak kicked-off the 2017 Citywide Sidewalk Improvement Program in Buffalo’s Lovejoy District. The city allocated $6.1 million for citywide sidewalk work this year.
“Weather permitting, we plan to do about $6.1 million in sidewalk replacement projects in 2017, touching every Council District in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “Our strong commitment to new sidewalks is all about our continued effort to beautify neighborhoods, protect infrastructure and complement the more than $6 billion in economic development activity that’s currently underway in Buffalo.”
The 2017 sidewalk construction work, which also includes new ADA ramps, began in the Lovejoy District on Brinkman Avenue, as well as Dearborn Street in Buffalo’s North District, and along Downing Street in the South District.
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Mayor Brown Announces City of Buffalo 2017 "Earth Month" Calendar
April 11 - Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced a calendar of Earth Day events which will take place across the City of Buffalo in April. Although April 22 is the official date that Earth Day is observed in the U.S., events focusing on the environment will be taking place throughout the month, all around the City.
“Earth Day is a time to remember the importance of our natural resources to our environment and economy and I’m proud of the city’s efforts in making Buffalo a cleaner, greener and more sustainable city,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “I encourage city residents to participate in any one of the activities the City of Buffalo has planned this year.”
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Mayor Brown Announces Improved Response Times by American Medical Response WNY
AMR, the City of Buffalo’s ambulance service, has improved response times by over 2 minutes, a first for medical emergency response services in Buffalo
April 4 –- Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced American Medical Response (AMR) of Western New York has made major improvements in its ambulance service and response times in the City of Buffalo.
“We have worked successfully with AMR to achieve a significant improvement in emergency medical response times. The company has improved response times by over 2 minutes and consistently delivers on-time performance across all areas of the City. It’s also commendable that these response times are the best we’ve ever documented in the City of Buffalo,” Mayor Brown said. “Our enhanced working relationship with AMR has resulted in improved service for all our citizens.”
The performance improvements, developed with input from City leadership, are in large part due to AMR’s investment in widespread operational upgrades. Some of the investments that AMR has made in the last six months include:
● Allocated additional resources to the City of Buffalo and AMR’s entire Western New York operation
● Hired more than 100 medical professionals to the Western New York team
● Refreshed the ambulance fleet
● Upgraded the technology infrastructure, including a computer-based system that enables continuous, real-time resource monitoring and performance evaluation
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