Mayor Brown Celebrates National Walk@Lunch Day at Buffalo City Hall With Proclamation
Mayor Byron W. Brown proclaimed April 25, 2018 "National Walk@Lunch Day" in the City of Buffalo
Buffalo, New York – Today Mayor Byron W. Brown and the City of Buffalo Wellness Committee joined hundreds of city employees for a 1.2 mile stroll around downtown Buffalo during lunch hour as part of National Walk@Lunch Day. This annual event is an easy and fun way to encourage City of Buffalo employees and the community at large to practice healthy lifestyle habits.
“In our effort to continue to build healthy communities, it is critically important that we, as city employees, do our best to incorporate physical activity into our everyday lives” said Mayor Brown. “We hope that this event can serve as a launching pad for city employees to make physical activity a daily habit.”
Following the rally, participants took a brisk walk around Niagara Square to Court Street, Court Street to Main Street, Main Street to W. Chippewa, W. Chippewa to Delaware and back to City Hall. The walking route was approximately 1.2 miles long.
According to recent studies, walking is one of the best ways to stay healthy and keep your body in shape. Walking 30 to 60 minutes per day greatly reduces your risk of getting heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes. By finding time to walk every day, people have reported having more energy and lowered stress levels.
ABOUT THE WELLNESS COMMITTEE
The City of Buffalo’s Wellness Committee’s mission is to provide education and activities to City of Buffalo employees in order to make the pursuit of wellness a priority. Mayor Byron W. Brown and The City of Buffalo care deeply about employee health and wellness as studies demonstrate that healthy employees are happier and more engaged.
Mayor Brown, County Executive Poloncarz Announce Buffalo News 'Kids Day'
Buffalo, New York – Mayor Byron W. Brown and Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz announced today that the Buffalo News annual “Special Kids Day Edition Sale” will take place on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 to benefit the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, Cradle Beach and children of Western New York. The two leaders also proclaimed April 24, 2018 “Buffalo News Kids Day” in the City of Buffalo and Erie County, urging their fellow
citizens to actively support the worthwhile endeavor.
“Kids Day is a wonderful way for our community to come together to support children and their families,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m proud to be a part of this annual tradition and I encourage city residents and visitors to support Kids Day and the many enthusiastic volunteers who will be selling this special edition of the Buffalo News on April 24th. I also thank the many volunteers for their continued commitment and dedication to this event, which helps improve the quality of life for so many of our children and their families.”
County Executive Poloncarz stated, “For over 30 years, Kids Day has been an annual rite of springtime, an event that brings together an army of volunteers to help children in a communitywide effort. On Kids Day, April 24, I
encourage county residents to buy a newspaper or two to support this great cause and support children and families.
It’s an easy and effective way to show that we are a strong and caring community.” Mayor Brown and County Executive Poloncarz were joined by Jody Lomeo, President and CEO of both Kaleida Health and the Great Lakes Health System of Western New York; Lisa Cislo, Promotions Coordinator at the Buffalo News; and Kathy Romanowski, Public & Media Relations Manager of Tops Markets. Lisa Cislo stated, “The Buffalo News is grateful to the community and all the many volunteers who are committed to making this a successful and safe event! A big ‘thank you’ to Tops Markets for their continued support of Kids Day
as our Presenting Sponsor for over a decade!”
Since 1983, the profits made from the Special Kids Day Edition Sale have totaled more than $4.7 million and have helped children all across WNY. This year, the Buffalo News “Kids Day Edition” will be sold at over 1,000 locations throughout the area.
Buffalo-Dortmund Sister City Program Turns 40
April 16 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and Dortmund Lord Mayor Ullrich Sierau today signed a reaffirmation of the 1978 Buffalo-Dortmund Sister City agreement.
“This signing reaffirms our commitment to do even more,” said Mayor Brown. “To reach across borders and create even stronger partnerships will help further strengthen our residents and our mutual economies.
There are so many opportunities to exchange ideas with each other in areas like economic development, and this is what the Sister Cities program is all about, learning from each other. I look forward to many years
of strong ties with Dortmund.” Lord Mayor Sierau stated, “It is my strong belief that partnerships are the foundations of the interconnectivity of the world. Especially with Buffalo, we have enjoyed a fruitful exchange on different levels, and I am confident that our friendship will continue for many years to come.” The ceremonial reaffirmation capped a full weekend of activities in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the signing of the sister city agreement linking Buffalo and Dortmund, Germany. Lord Mayor Sierau arrived in Buffalo with a large Dortmund delegation on Saturday, April 14, 2018, marking the first time since 1997 that an official delegation has come to Buffalo from Dortmund.
On Saturday night, Mayor Brown directed the top of City Hall be lit in red, yellow and black (German flag) in celebration of four decades of friendship. Mayor Brown also announced the “Dortmund Park” project, a $150,000 park improvement project at Niagara Street, Busti Avenue and Hampshire Street that will transform this existing greenspace into a wonderful tribute that captures the spirit of the Buffalo-Dortmund friendship.
Greg Engle, President of the Buffalo-Dortmund Sister City Committee, stated, “I congratulate Mayor Brown and Lord Mayor Sierau for reaffirming this wonderful relationship between Buffalo and Dortmund. This renewing of ties will further link our municipal officials, as well as our business, education and cultural communities, cementing the growing ties between our cities.
The origins of the Buffalo-Dortmund Sister City relationship can be traced back to 1972. A Dortmund native, Herbert Morgenroth, arrived in Buffalo as an exchange teacher at the University of Buffalo under the auspices of the Carl Duisberg Society, a German exchange program. Morgenroth was struck by the similarities between the City of Buffalo and his hometown of Dortmund: similar in size, steel manufacturing, and beer production. He presented a Buffalo-Dortmund partnership plan to the then Honorary German Consul in Buffalo, Mrs. Nathan “Brix” Barrell. In February of 1972, their plan was formally presented to Mayor Stanley Makowski. The program was formalized in 1978.
Buffalo’s Sister City program boasts 19 cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Members of these Sister Cities organizations sponsor student exchanges from Germany, France, and South Korea as well as cultural tours in Europe and Turkey as well as sponsoring good works by establishing medical clinics in cities in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
Public Meeting Announcement: Erie-Shelton Square Greenway Project, Thursday, April 19 at 5:30 pm
April 10 – Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets, Empire State Development (ESD), and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC) will hold a public meeting at Erie County Community College’s Minnie Gillette Auditorium, located at 121 Ellicott Street, on Thursday, April 19 at 5:30 p.m., to present conceptual designs of the upcoming Erie-Shelton Square Greenway Project.
BUDC Chairman Mayor Brown stated, “The City of Buffalo’s partnership with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Empire State Development is making this transformative project a reality, continuing my Administration’s efforts to create a 24/7 live, work and play environment in Buffalo’s downtown core, while further improving access to Buffalo’s waterfront for all to enjoy."
The Erie-Shelton Square Greenway Project will create a walkable, bikeable, pedestrian connection that utilizes a series of existing parks and greenspaces along the Erie Street corridor, leading from downtown’s central business district to the waterfront. It will also detail strategies for infrastructure and public realm enhancements to create stronger linkages between adjacent park spaces, improve the public setting to attract and encourage continued investment and add to downtown Buffalo’s quality of life for employees, residents and visitors.
Funding for the project comes from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion 2 Initiative and the New York State Department of Parks. It’s being managed by the City of Buffalo’s Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets and the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation.
“The Erie-Shelton Square Greenway will connect the parks and public spaces between Buffalo’s downtown and waterfront. It’s a Buffalo Billion project that demonstrates how the state’s investments in placemaking ultimately connect people—Buffalo’s students, residents and visitors—and revitalize cities,” said Howard Zemsky, President and CEO of Empire State Development.
The public meeting will be facilitated by Clark, Patterson, and Lee Landscape Architects. Light refreshments will also be provided. For more information, contact Brandye Merriweather, BUDC Vice President of Downtown Development at 716-856-6525 or at bmerriweatther@buffalourbandevelopment.com.
Mayor Brown Encourages City Job Seekers To Attend On-site Hiring Event
Mayor Byron W. Brown reached out today to city job seekers, inviting them to attend a large on-site hiring event. On Wednesday, April 11th, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Mayor Brown, The City of Buffalo – in partnership with The Home Depot, Sinatra & Company Real Estate, Skilled Services International, Creative Construction Services and Buffalo Public Schools, will host a large hiring event, where applications for open positions will be accepted and live interviews will be conducted for a variety of open job positions. The hiring event will take place at the new Resource Council of WNY, Inc., located at 347 East Ferry Street in Buffalo.
“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 as he announced that over 500 good paying positions are now available, with over a handful of area employers ready and looking to fill these jobs at Wednesday’s on-site hiring event. “I thank participating employers for teaming up with my Administration on this on-site hiring event that I would like to see become the single best hiring day ever in Buffalo. What a great opportunity for job candidates to meet with employers face-to-face, and possibly walk away with a job.”
Home Depot will be hiring on-site for cashiers, lot associates, overnight freight and sales associates. Skilled Services International will be hiring for general labor, diesel mechanics, electricians, carpenters, plumbers and HVAC. Applications will also be available for Mayor Brown’s Summer Youth Internship and Employment Program. The deadline to apply to Mayor Brown’s summer youth employment program is Friday, April 27th, 2018. Apply on line at www.city-buffalo.com. At Wednesday’s On-Site Hiring Event, job seekers can learn about other job opportunities along the Jefferson Corridor, McCarley Gardens and Kensington Avenue.
Northland Workforce Training Center Project Reaches Construction Milestone Ahead of August Debut
Mayor Brown details progress on the $65 million training center, which includes the installation of $5 million worth of replica historic windows. Mayor Brown also provided an update on the $5.7 million Northland Avenue Streetscape Project, which will get underway April 9th.
Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and other elected officials today, to announce that the Northland Workforce Training Center has reached a key construction milestone with window installation underway. The first set of 156 replica historic windows are now being installed in the former industrial building, located at 683 Northland Avenue.
“We’ve reached an exciting milestone. The Northland Workforce Training Center will welcome its first students in just over four months. Remediation, stabilization, and interior demolition is complete, and new concrete floors have been poured. And as these windows go in, you can feel this building come alive,” Mayor Brown said.
“Growing up in Western New York, I remember seeing the impact of factories being shuttered and workers losing their jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “The Governor and I have a bold vision to build off Buffalo’s legacy as a global hub for industry and commerce and have focused on attracting new businesses offering advanced careers of the 21st century. The Northland Workforce Training Center is a key part of our State’s economic development strategy in Buffalo and Western New York. This project will prepare a new generation of skilled workers and provides a catalyst for the future of Buffalo’s East Side by restoring a historic building to its former glory.”
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Mayor Brown Reminds Buffalo Residents That The Deadline To Apply For The 2018 Buffalo Firefighter Entry Exam Is Just One Week Away
Mayor Brown also announced extended filing hours at the City’s Office of Human Resources and additional recruitment effort ahead of the April 9th application deadline
April 1 - Mayor Byron W. Brown was joined by Fire Commissioner Vincent V. Muscarella and City Human Resources Commissioner Gladys Herndon-Hill today to remind Buffalo residents that the deadline to apply for the 2018 Buffalo Firefighter Entry Exam is only one week away – Monday, April 9, 2018. “This exam is only offered every four years, so it’s extremely important to get the word out to all Buffalo residents who are interested in becoming a firefighter that the application deadline is fast-approaching. It’s next Monday, April 9th for all those who want to apply for the exam, which will be given on May 1st,” Mayor Brown said.
On March 2, 2018, Mayor Brown announced the date of the 2018 Firefighter Exam and launched the City’s “Move Up the Ladder: Start a Career in Buffalo Fire Department” campaign. That public awareness campaign has included: Public Services Announcements on Government Channel 22 and Spectrum Cable channels, hundreds of posters in all City-owned buildings, as well as in Erie County Hall, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority buildings, Erie Community College City Campus, and Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority sites.
Mayor Brown and Fire Commissioner Muscarella also made live appearances on Buffalo TV and radio stations, with additional messaging across the City of Buffalo via leaflets, electronic billboards donated by Lamar Advertising, paid ads in local weekly newspapers, and broad and diverse social media messaging.
Two 15-foot-long banners, promoting the exam, were hung on the sides of Buffalo fire trucks participating in St. Patrick’s Day parades and other venues, including the Pearl Street side of the Augspurger Parking Ramp, for the past two weeks.
Mayor Brown Recognizes Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul at Women's History Month Celebration At City Hall
March 26 – In recognition of Women’s History Month, Mayor Byron W. Brown honored Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, as well as Broadcast Host, Author, Photographer and Award-winning Producer Jackie Albarella and the Radical Women’s Night Out Committee, during the Women’s History Month program in the lobby of Buffalo City Hall.
“Today we get a chance to honor remarkable women who have helped shape our City’s history and its future,” said Mayor Brown, who also paused to thank the many women in his administration, who have persisted in their professional and personal lives, never giving up as they work on behalf of the people of the City of Buffalo. “Please join me in recognizing Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who continues to fight and bring positive change to the lives of women in Buffalo and in cities across New York. She has been a life-long advocate for women and families across the state, fighting for equal rights and opportunity for success. Our other honorees, including Jackie Albarella and the Radical Women’s Night Out Committee, also deserve our appreciation for their unrelenting tenacity and courage to achieve their goals.”
“Women belong in all places where decisions are made, and I thank Mayor Brown for recognizing me and today’s other honorees for the work we continue to do that supports, inspires, and motivates women and girls to succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “New York is the birthplace of Women’s rights, and that confers on us a special responsibility. That is our story, and we must celebrate, embrace, and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”
Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in 1987, creating a special opportunity in work places and in communities to recognize and celebrate the achievements of American women. Each year, there is a national theme. This year’s theme was Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. In Buffalo, Mayor Brown recognized two remarkable women and members of one outstanding organization whose lives exemplified that theme.
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Mayor Brown, The WNY Peace Center, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence Announce City of Buffalo WIll Hold "March For Our Lives" Rally and March in Solidarity with Anti-Gun Violence Demonstrations Planned for Washington D.C. and Cities Across the Nation
March 22 – Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by the WNY Peace Center, and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, announced they will sponsor a “March for our Lives” rally in Niagara Square followed by a march, on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., in solidarity with the anti-gun violence demonstrations taking place in Washington, D.C. and across the nation.
Buffalo Public School Student Fariyah Ibrahim Diriye said, “Across our nation and in our communities, too many of my peers have become victims of gun violence because there are no laws to prevent these weapons from getting into the wrong hands. Our federal representatives tell us that it’s not the guns that are the problem but people. I, and millions of other students, will no longer accept that there is no good answer to that question. Our voices will be heard and Congress must pay attention.”
“I am proud to join with the students and other members of our community who are united against gun violence by supporting the March for Our Lives movement in Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “We must protect our children from all senseless gun violence, and I call upon our federal representatives to enact sensible and responsible gun control legislation.”
The March for Our Lives Buffalo event will give local residents an opportunity to add their voices to those gathering in our nation’s capital, as well as in cities and towns across America, who are demanding that Congress act on this critical issue now. The rally will begin with remarks from the steps of Buffalo City Hall and be followed by a march through downtown.
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Mayor Brown Makes Special Meals on Wheels Delivery
March 22 – Homebound senior citizens and disabled residents in got a welcome visit today when Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown dropped by to deliver meals. His participation was part of a week-long community celebration of the Meals on Wheels program and sponsored by Meals on Wheels for Western New York (MOW-WNY).
“The ‘Meals on Wheels’ program is an important lifeline for our city seniors and disabled residents who might not have any family nearby,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m pleased to support this valuable program and bring awareness to senior hunger. We need to be aware of our neighbors and there are a lot of seniors in Buffalo who need people to reach out to them.”
This year, Meals on Wheels is celebrating its 49th anniversary of the program. The idea of meals being delivered to people’s homes can trace its roots back to World War Two. The Champions for Meals program is a chance for VIPs from throughout WNY to deliver to those in need, while helping to raise awareness and funds for the program.
Mayor Brown shared the meal delivery experience with 45 other government officials and local celebrities. According to local organization officials, Meals on Wheels for WNY provides about 450,000 meals and nutrition services to over 1,800 people in Buffalo each year, and the need continues to grow. They served approximately 900,000 meals throughout WNY last year to 3,400 unique clients.
“Champions for Meals is always an exciting event, with a wide array of different community supporters able to participate each year,” Chris Procknal, President and CEO, said. “It’s a great chance for our advocates to show their support of the work Meals on Wheels does and for our clients to meet some local celebrities like Mayor Byron Brown. I’m pleased to report that we have a staggering 46 VIPs this year!”
For more about Meals on Wheels for WNY program, including volunteer opportunities, please contact Rachel Leidenfrost, 716-822-2002, ext. 33.
Emily Pfalzer Day Declared as City Welcomes Home Buffalo's Olympic Hero
March 19 – Prior to marching in the annual Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Mayor Byron W. Brown today honored Emily Pfalzer, United States Olympian and champion hockey player, for her gold medal achievement by declaring March 18, 2018 as Emily Pfalzer Day in the City of Buffalo. Pfalzer represented Team USA on the Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
“Emily Pfalzer is a great athlete, Olympic champion and proud native of Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown. “We were thrilled when Emily and her teammates achieved their exciting gold medal victory in PyeongChang, South Korea and equally thrilled that she’s so eager to share her victory with the residents of Buffalo and Western New York. We’re very proud of her remarkable achievement and are very happy to welcome her back home.”
Emily Pfalzer #8, a defenseman, was part of the gold medal 3-2 win against Canada, marking the first time in 20 years that the United States took home a gold medal in women's hockey. As a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Emily Pfalzer has played in one Olympic Winter Games, three International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championships and four Four Nations Cups.
Pfalzer stated, “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I have received from the great people of Buffalo. This community was heavily on my mind when we captured the gold medal, and I’m proud to have done it in part for Buffalo. This is a tremendous, unexpected honor from Mayor Brown that I will cherish for a long time.”
The daughter of David and Jill Pfalzer and sister to Matthew and Thomas, Emily was named captain of the Buffalo Beauts in the inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League in 2015-16 and helped her hometown team win the Isobel Cup championship last season.
A native of Getzville, Emily Pfalzer graduated from Nichols High School in 2011 and Boston College in 2015.
Mayor Brown and Council Member Franczyk Celebrate The Beginning of The Easter Shopping Season
March 17 - Mayor Byron Brown and Fillmore District Council Member David Franczyk, joined by Father Mariusz Dymek, pastor of St. Stanislaus, Father Michael Czyzewski, pastor of Corpus Christi Church other elected officials and members of the community, officially cut the ribbon at The Broadway Market today, signifying the beginning of the Easter Season in the City of Buffalo.
“It’s fun to be at The Broadway Market during the Easter Season,” said Mayor Brown. “The Easter Season means the return of the Easter Bunny, butter lambs, spring inspired chocolates, pastries, arts and crafts, flowers and other delights. Under one roof, we have many businesses and various products that the entire community enjoys. I encourage city residents and visitors to stop by and see all that the historic Broadway Market has to offer throughout the Easter Season and year-round.”
After a successful "Sneak Peek" shopping weekend at the East Side landmark in advance of the official start to its Easter shopping season, vendors are ready for the busy shopping season to begin. This year, Mayor Brown and his Administration continue efforts to ensure the viability of the popular neighborhood destination by investing close to $2.5 million in improvements. This Easter Season, City residents and visitors will notice a mobile police unit set up outside the main entrance. This is an interim substation. The planned police substation, when finished later this year, will be located in the northwest corner and will be accessible both inside the market and from outside. In addition, work on a new commercial kitchen is underway, as well as the start of some exterior renovations.
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Mayor Brown Welcomes Girl Scout Troop 30022 To City Hall For Annual Cookies With the Mayor Event
March 15 - Mayor Byron W. Brown welcomed nearly a dozen city youth of Girl Scout Troop 30022, as well as their Co-Leader Monika McFoy, to Buffalo City Hall for their annual Cookies with the Mayor event.
“Each year, I look forward to the Girl Scouts of Western New York visiting Buffalo City Hall with their Girl Scout Cookies,” said Mayor Brown. “I’m a strong supporter of this program because it is dedicated to supporting our shared goal of helping young people build confidence, foster community support, while teaching our youth the importance of entrepreneurship and the skills needed to be successful.”
During Girl Scout Cookie season, participating Girl Scouts in Buffalo and in cities across the country show their G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ spirit as they sell delicious cookies, building essential entrepreneurial and other business skills along the way that are imperative to leadership and future success.
Over 1 million Girl Scouts participate in the cookie program each year, and all of the net revenue from cookie sales—100 percent of it—stays within a Girl Scout council’s local area to benefit girls and their council.
Mayor Brown urged city residents to help fuel transformative leadership experiences for girls and help build the next generation of female entrepreneurs by purchasing Girl Scout S’mores as well as classic favorites like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®/Samoas®.
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Mayor Brown, South District Council Member Scanlon Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Flag Raising Ceremony At Buffalo City Hall
March 11 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and South District Council Member Christopher Scanlon, joined by members of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, kicked off a week of St. Patrick’s Day festivities by hosting an Irish flag-raising ceremony at Buffalo City Hall this afternoon.
“Buffalo serves as a melting pot of different cultures and it is this diversity that adds to the economic growth and improved quality of life in our city,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the City of Buffalo was recently ranked as one of the top cities for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. “The City of Buffalo is steeped in Irish history and tradition and my Administration is always pleased to shine a light on the many positive contributions of Irish Americans to our culture and progress in Buffalo. I thank the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for continuing to carry on the important traditions that we have here in Buffalo.
“Buffalo has a large population of Irish Americans,” said Council Member Scanlon. “While most of us embrace and preserve our Irish heritage all year round, March is a time for all of us to join together and celebrate it. The Irish have played a large role in the history of Buffalo – as laborers, civil servants, religious clergy and community leaders. Our ancestors who emigrated here helped to build this city. That’s a legacy we are very proud of.”
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Mayor Brown Launches His Civic Innovation Challenge- A Competition to Create Solutions to Benefit City Residents Using Information From the City's New "Open Data Buffalo" Portal
March 1 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today launched his inaugural Mayor’s Civic Innovation Challenge, powered by AT&T, seeking creative solutions that address social and civic issues impacting City of Buffalo residents. Competitors will mine data from the City’s new Open Data Buffalo portal to drive their innovative solutions.
“My Civic Innovation Challenge is a two-month competition for local computer scientists, coders, software developers, designers, hardware engineers, and tech students, to create innovative products or solutions that benefit the City of Buffalo and its residents,” Mayor Brown said. “My Administration, and our partners, aim to unite developers in the WNY region to build mobile apps or other solutions that address community needs while demonstrating how mobile technologies can lead to next generation job growth and development in the City of Buffalo.”
The City’s Open Data Buffalo portal, which went live on February 22, 2018, is a free, public source for data the City generates and collects. The Mayor’s Civic Innovation Challenge will help introduce the region’s tech community to Open Data Buffalo’s available datasets, and utilize that information to come up with their civic solution.
The City is partnering on the Challenge with AT&T, which is contributing $8,000 in prize money to be split among the top 3 finalists.
“AT&T is proud to collaborate with Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo to provide this unique civic-minded innovation challenge to career technologists and students across Western New York,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President, Northeast Region, AT&T. “This competition is an innovative approach to showcase how technology and data can be used for social good and to assist municipalities to address issues impacting their residents, similar to what AT&T provides every day across the country through our Smart Cities solutions. As a judge, I am excited to see what the talented local tech community creates to help the City of Buffalo utilize its new robust open data platform to benefit its residents.” Ulla Bak, Co-Founder and President of Bak USA, who will also serve as one of the Challenge judges, said she’s looking forward to reviewing the submissions.
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Mayor Brown Honors Eight During Black History Month Celebration
February 28 – In celebration of Black History Month, Mayor Byron W. Brown today recognized members of our community for their achievements during the annual City Hall Black History Month program. This year’s award categories included: arts and culture, military and law enforcement, healthcare and community service.
“Every year we come together to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of those who have made a positive impact in our city,” Mayor Brown said. “This year we are honoring individuals and organizations who have worked to create a city of opportunity for all people. Buffalo continues to grow as a city where our differences are embraced, and where we strive to help all residents succeed.”
Among those Mayor Brown honored today was Sheldon Gibbs, the eleven-year-old CEO and Founder of Classic Knot, a Buffalo-based tie business.
Harvard educated historian, Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Abolitionist Frederick Douglass. This was an effort to recognize the contributions of Black people in America. In 1976, under President Gerald R. Ford, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month.
This year’s categories and honorees were:
1. Arts and Culture Award - Drea d’Nur
2. Community Service Award- NAACP
3. Education Award - Dr. Tonja M. Williams
4. Faith-based Award - Pastor Edward Jackson Jr.
5. Family Award - The Ansari Family
6. Healthcare Award - Dr. Kevin C. Wood
7. Military/Law Enforcement - Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams
8. Youth Award - Shelden Gibbs
Mayor Byron Brown Delivers His 12th State of the City Address
February 22 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today delivered his 12th “State of the City” Address at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Proclaiming ‘This is Our Time’, Mayor Brown, joined by business, civic and community leaders, outlined his plan to build on the momentum to ensure that Buffalo’s progress continues, and that opportunity is abundant for everyone. “Together we have spent the last twelve years leading our City out of the past, and now, it is up to all of us to work together to determine our future,” said Mayor Brown. “The future is what I want to talk about today. I am proud of the way that we have re-imagined a City where people want to live and work and gather and celebrate, once again. Over the next four years I will ensure that our progress continues and that opportunity is abundant in our City of Good Neighbors - that everyone has a chance to succeed, to make a difference and to make their dreams a reality.”
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Mayor Brown Today Announced a Youth Job Fair to be Held at the Delavan Grider Community Center on Saturday, February 24
Mayor Byron W. Brown joined with Otis T. Barker, Commissioner of Community Services & Recreational Programming, to announce a first-of-its-kind Youth Job Fair, which will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2018. The job fair, which will include around 50 employers, as well as representatives of local educational institutions and staffing agencies, will be held at the Delavan Grider Community Center, at 887 E. Delavan Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“A top priority of my Administration is our continuing efforts to prepare our young people for the many great employment opportunities Buffalo has to offer. With our increasingly robust economy, which includes over $6.2 million in investment since 2010, and 12,000 new jobs coming on line in the next few years, it’s more important than ever for our young people to start building their work resumes,” Mayor Brown said.
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Mayor Brown is Now Accepting Applications For His 2018 Summer Internship Program
February 2 – Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by Buffalo School Superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash, City Honors Principal Dr. William Kresse, and dozens of students at the City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park, announced that the application process for his 2018 Summer Youth Internship Program is now underway. The program will provide six weeks of employment and work-readiness training to youth in the city of Buffalo during the summer months.
“My administration is committed to preparing our city youth for the jobs of the future and my Summer Youth Internship program will help ensure the success of the next generation by encouraging our young people to start their career path with a summer job,” said Mayor Brown, noting that the summer youth employment program has provided over 22,000 employment opportunities to city youth since 2006. “This past year, we invested a record $1.7 million in funding for my summer youth employment program, providing learn and earn opportunities to more than 1,680 youth. I’m looking forward to another successful season.”
Youth can download an application to the program by going to www.city-buffalo.com and return the completed application to the Department of Community Services. Applications are also available in Room 1701 at Buffalo City Hall. Completed Applications are due by Friday, April 27, 2018. Incomplete applications and late applications will not be accepted! Completed applications can be mailed or brought to the Department of Community Services, located at Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square -Room 1701, Buffalo, New York, 14202. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
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Mayor Brown Swears in New Fire Recruits
January 31 - Mayor Byron W. Brown was joined by Deputy Fire Commissioner Johnathan Eaton and the entire Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) Command Staff, at the swearing in ceremony of 66 new BFD firefighter recruits at The Bennett High School of Innovative Technology on the Bennett High School campus.
“Becoming a Buffalo Firefighter is a very competitive process,” said Mayor Brown, addressing the new recruits. “Today, you join the ranks of the courageous men and women of the Buffalo Fire Department and I congratulate you for choosing a profession that’s more than a job.”
“Today is a wonderful day for the Buffalo Fire Department and Buffalo residents,” said Dep. Fire Commissioner Eaton. “We will have the ability to provide residents with more firefighters and better service. I thank Mayor Brown for his continued commitment to a high quality of safety in Buffalo.”
Since 2006, the Brown administration has invested well over $26 million in the Buffalo Fire Department, including the opening of new and renovated fire houses. Mayor Brown has also allocated funds to replace BFD’s entire firefighting fleet, add specialized fire rigs, and equip firefighters with state-of-the-art firefighting equipment.
In the past few years, Mayor Brown has appointed new leadership to effectively manage the Buffalo Fire Department and has hired over 150 new firefighters. With the addition of this new class of recruits, the total number of sworn personnel in the BFD is 680.
Mayor Brown Hosts an Award Ceremony For Buffalo's Sixth Class of 'Game Changers'
January 29 – Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services, the Buffalo Police Department, the North East Basketball Club and Buffalo Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), held a recognition ceremony today for the participants who completed an intense 6 week basketball training and life skills development camp in Buffalo. Under Mayor Brown’s direction, ‘Game Changers’ started in 2013. Since then, six free camps have been offered to city youth, giving them a safe place to play ball and learn other life skills lessons. The program concluded tonight with a final celebration and graduation ceremony at the Delavan Grider Community Center. “This program is much more than a basketball program. The 200 participants met community leaders, elected officials, educators, and entrepreneurs,” Mayor Brown said. “Through Game Changers, these young men and women will be introduced to role models, and given a vision of hope and a reminder that through dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Since 2013, the program has seen over 1000 boys and girls attend the Friday evening sessions. PAL is currently funding this important initiative. The latest Game Changers program was held on six consecutive Friday evenings, from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., running from December 1, 2017 through January 5, 2018, at the Delavan/Grider Community Center and The Belle Community Center. Each session included a “game changing” message, including Public Service, Character Development, Empowered Youth and Peer to Peer.
For more information about the Game Changers program contact the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services at (716) 851-4001.
Mayor Brown Announces Appointment of Byron Lockwood as Interim Police Commissioner
January 17 – Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that he is appointing Byron C. Lockwood, the current Deputy Police Commissioner, to serve as the Interim Commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department.
Mayor Brown stated, “I am deeply appreciative of the time and hard work Byron Lockwood has put into his current role as Deputy Police Commissioner and know that he is the right person, who knows our city, to provide the level of leadership and safety we need as the Interim Police Commissioner. Deputy Lockwood has a distinguished career in law enforcement and has been an integral part of the Department’s anti-crime efforts that have lowered overall crime by 40% since 2006. I have full confidence that in the coming months he will continue to build strong relations between our community and police officers, bring innovative ideas and creative policing tactics to the Department and run this department just like he has approached his other command positions - with great integrity, hard work, and a love for this police department.”
Byron C. Lockwood was raised on the east side of Buffalo in the Ellicott Mall Projects and was educated in the Buffalo Public School System. He is a 34 veteran of the Buffalo Police Department. He joined the force as a police officer in 1984 and rose through the ranks to detective, followed by detective sergeant where he served in the Intelligence Unit, Street Crime Unit, Narcotics, Vice and Homicide. In 2006, Lockwood was appointed to Deputy Commissioner of Operations and in 2010 he was appointed to the position of First Deputy Commissioner of Police.
As Deputy Police Commissioner, Lockwood has a strong track record in fighting crime, making neighborhoods safer, and deepening bonds between police and the community by continuing to revolutionize community-based policing. Since 2006, Buffalo saw a 40% reduction in overall crime, the removal of over 15,500 illegal guns and the installation of over 230 police surveillance cameras in neighborhoods citywide. He’s played a major role in numerous collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies and partnerships, like Buffalo Peacemakers, that continue to result in successful arrests and convictions. He has also helped to re-establish community policing to improve dialogue between the community and police officers, with monthly community meetings held at each District with the Chief, as well as an ongoing, bi-weekly conversation with the Concerned Clergy Coalition of WNY. Lockwood also spearheads the “Active Shooter Presentation” at local churches and schools to help teach the public “what to do” in the event of such an emergency.
“I would like to thank Mayor Brown for the opportunity to lead what I feel is one of the finest police departments in the country,” said Lockwood. “Policing is a noble profession, a profession that I have dedicated my life to, and I’m humbled by this awesome responsibility to continue to serve the people of Buffalo as Interim Police Commissioner.”
Lockwood has received a number of awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award in Law Enforcement. He resides in Buffalo. Lockwood works with and helps support youth organizations. He is a proud sponsor of the WNY Bills Little League Football Organization. He visits schools to speak to youth about his career in law enforcement and encourages them to consider becoming Police Officers. His appointment is effective immediately.
Mayor Brown Announces New Appointments to Administration
21-year BFD veteran to lead Buffalo's Bravest. A well-respected leader with a commitment to public service will oversee Community Services
January 9 - Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that the Buffalo Common Council has approved his appointments of Vincent Muscarella as Commissioner of the City of Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) and Otis T. Barker, Sr. as the Commissioner of the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services and Recreational Programming.
Mayor Brown stated, “My bold agenda for Buffalo will continue over the next four years and all of the appointments including the newly appointed individuals today, will work closely with me and my administration to deliver results, from managing our finances and resources, to ensuring our City’s safety, to delivering quality services to our youth and residents, to continuing to seize opportunities to build a better future for all Buffalo residents in this City of Opportunity.”
Fire Commissioner Muscarella is a 27 year veteran of fire service, the last 21 of which he spent with the City of Buffalo. He was appointed to firefighter in 1996 and graduated from the recruit academy later that year. Muscarella was promoted to Lieutenant in 2009, and Captain in 2013. In July of 2016, after an extensive search process, Mayor Brown appointed then Captain Muscarella to Deputy Commissioner of Buffalo Fire Operations, a position in which he has faithfully and successfully served since such time. In addition, in furtherance of his management and leadership skills, Deputy Commissioner Muscarella has become a New York State certified fire instructor and a Master Instructor with the International Association of Firefighters. His place as a preeminent instructor was solidified this year when he was selected to teach at the Fire Department Instructor Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mayor Brown charged Muscarella with ensuring the safety of Buffalo’s residents and firefighters, increasing diversity among the ranks, and maintaining the department’s commitment to swift response times in neighborhoods across the city.
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Garbage Pick-up Delayed by One Day This Week (Jan. 8 - Jan. 13) Due to the harsh weather conditions over the weekend, garbage pick-up will be delayed by one day this week in the City of Buffalo. Sanitation crews will resume picking-up garbage in Buffalo’s Delaware and North Districts today, after being forced to stop early due to the bitter cold temperatures on Saturday. If you’re regularly scheduled garbage pick-up day is on Monday in Buffalo, crews will pick it up on Tuesday. Tuesday’s scheduled garbage pick-up will be on Wednesday; Wednesday’s scheduled garbage pick-up will be on Thursday; Friday’s scheduled garbage pick-up will be on Saturday. Recycling is on its regular schedule. We thank you for your continued patience.
Mayor Brown Opens Cold Weather Warming Centers in the City of Buffalo
Buffalo – Due to the extreme cold expected this weekend, Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that 9 Senior and Community Centers will serve as warming centers on Friday, January 5, 2018 and Saturday, January 6, 2018. The warming centers will be open for any city resident seeking shelter from the cold. With dangerously cold weather in the forecast, we must take extra safety precautions because it’s simply unsafe for anyone to be outside for prolonged periods of time. This is why my administration has called for temporary warming centers to be established for those in need this weekend," said Mayor Brown.
1. The Dorothy J. Collier Community Center, 118 East Utica Street, Buffalo, N.Y 14209
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
2. The Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14204
Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday thru Friday.
3. North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Saunders Road, Buffalo, N.Y. 14216 Hours: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm – Monday thru Friday, Saturday 10:00am to 5:00 pm, Sunday, only if needed.
4. William – Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 13206, Hours: 6:00am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday.
5. West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm. Monday thru Friday.
6. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14211 Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm. Monday thru Friday.
7. The Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14201 Hours: 6:30am to 8:30pm. Monday thru Friday.
8. Richmond-Summer Senior Center, 337 Summer Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222 Hours: 8:00am to 3:00pm. Monday thru Friday.
9. Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14206 Hours: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.
Those in need of a shelter can call 311 to find the nearest possible locations.
Buffalo New Year's Eve Ball Gets a Final Test Before Its Big Night
Buffalo Ball Drop returns to Downtown Buffalo for its 30th Year on December 31, 2017 at Theodore Roosevelt Plaza Buffalo Ball Drop & Fireworks’ event benefits Police Athletic League of Buffalo December 29 - This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the downtown "Buffalo Ball Drop & Fireworks", to benefit the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo. Today Mayor Byron Brown, joined by other sponsors of the 30th annual "Buffalo Ball Drop & Fireworks", was on hand as crews conducted the annual ‘Test Drop’ to ensure that the ‘Ball Drop’ on New Year’s Eve goes off without a hitch. Crews hoisted the specially designed ball to the top of Iskalo Development’s Electric Tower, testing the hundreds of special lights and timing of the descent. Mayor Brown also extended another invitation to city residents and visitors to ring in 2018 at the annual downtown event at Roosevelt Plaza. Roosevelt Plaza is located along the newly opened 500 Block of Main Street at the intersection of Huron and Genesee Streets.
"Now in its 30th year, the ‘Buffalo Ball Drop & Fireworks’ event has become an annual tradition that keeps getting bigger and better and Downtown Buffalo is ready to celebrate the best New Year’s Eve yet," said Mayor Brown, reminding residents and visitors that the Ball Drop is a benefit for the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo. "As PAL Chair, I recognize the importance of PAL to our city and I encourage New Year’s Eve revelers to continue to support this valuable organization which provides recreational, educational, cultural and other opportunities to our youth. I also thank our exceptional sponsor organizations for their continued dedication to the annual Ball Drop. Their commitment to our youth and to our city fill us with a great sense of pride as we work together to reimagine the city we love and the neighborhoods we cherish."
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Goodbye 2017! Buffalo Ball Drop Returns to Downtown for it's 30th Year New Year’s Eve Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks event benefits Police Athletic League of Buffalo. Mayor Brown invites residents to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Theodore Roosevelt Plaza in Buffalo.
December 20 - This year will mark the 30th anniversary of the Downtown New Year’s Eve “Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks” event, to benefit the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo. Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown invited city residents and visitors to ring in 2018 at the Buffalo Ball Drop at Iskalo Development’s Electric Tower, located in Downtown Buffalo’s Roosevelt Plaza at the intersection of Huron, Genesee, and Washington Streets.
“Now in its 30th year, the Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks event has become an annual New Year’s Eve tradition that keeps getting bigger and better and all of downtown is ready to celebrate the best New Year’s Eve yet,” said Mayor Brown, reminding residents and visitors that the Ball Drop is a benefit for the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo. “As PAL Chair, I recognize the importance of PAL to our city and I encourage New Year’s Eve revelers to continue to support this valuable organization which provides recreational, educational, cultural and other opportunities to our youth. I also thank our exceptional sponsor organizations for their continued dedication to the annual Ball Drop. Their commitment to our youth and to our city fill us with a great sense of pride as we work together to reimagine the city we love and the neighborhoods we cherish.”
The Buffalo Ball Drop and Fireworks event is presented by Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo, the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo and Buffalo Place, with major sponsors which include M&T Bank, Iskalo Development, WKBW, 97 Rock, and WNY Chevy Dealers.
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Mayor Brown, BPD Host First Holiday "Shop With A Cop" Event
Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Buffalo Police Department were pleased to celebrate the first annual BPD “Shop with a Cop” event, in partnership with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
December 18 - Over 25 children were paired with a Buffalo police officer to shop for their families for the holidays.
“As we continue to build bridges between police and our community, we want our children to have positive experiences with law enforcement and that’s just what Shop with a Cop is all about,” said Mayor Brown. “It’s important that we humanize the people behind the badge and create a positive relationship between police officers and our children. I thank Buffalo Police for organizing this event in partnership with the Police Athletic League of Buffalo and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, as well as other generous donors.”
The Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), which provides a wide range of programming for children and disadvantaged youth in the Buffalo area, assisted in the selection of the young shoppers. Selection was mostly based on financial or emotional need.
BPD’s first ‘Shop with a Cop’ event began at 11 am outside the Bethesda World Harvest Church, located at 1365 Main Street, where shoppers received a chauffeured squad car ride to the Walmart on Walden.
After the shopping adventure, officers and shoppers returned to the church for lunch, gift-wrapping and other entertainment. The event was funded entirely through donations and support from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.
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Mayor Brown Announces Expansion of Buffalo's Free Public Wi-Fi Network
City of Buffalo, Blue Wireless Partner to Provide Free Service to Residents and Businesses
December 18 - Buffalo’s free public Wi-Fi network continues to expand, with hotspot access points coming soon to Jefferson Avenue between East Ferry Street and East Utica Street. Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by Council President Darius Pridgen, Masten District Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr., Brian Gelfand, the President of Blue Wireless, small business owners and residents, today unveiled JEFFREE WI-FI, a valuable amenity that will soon help both residents and small business owners stay connected. Mayor Brown made the announcement at the Beverly Gray Exchange Center, a one-stop shop training and resource center that encourages the growth and success of Buffalo’s minority, women and service disabled veteran owned businesses.
“Our business districts citywide are the economic engines of our neighborhoods and JEFFREE Wi-Fi will ensure that every business and every resident along Jefferson Avenue will have access to affordable, high speed internet,” said Mayor Brown. “As our City continues to grow into a thriving engine of opportunity for all city residents, we must find ways to support the entrepreneurs who are driving technological advances and creating jobs. With the JEFFREE Wi-Fi network along Jefferson Avenue, we are making another targeted investment to improve our city’s wireless infrastructure, moving us forward on the path to constant connectivity.”
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Mayor Brown, BPD Launch "Bigs In Blue" in Buffalo to Build Bridges Between Police Officers and Youth
December 15 - Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by Buffalo Police Officers and representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County, today announced the start of “Bigs in Blue” in the city of Buffalo. “Bigs in Blue” is a one-to-one mentoring program aimed at recruiting local law enforcement officers to serve as Big
Brothers or Big Sisters to youth, specifically ages 10-12.
“Our officers enjoy spending time in the community and getting to know the people they so proudly serve,” said Mayor Brown, noting that he announced the coming of the “Bigs in Blue” program during his annual State of the City Address in February. “Building bridges between police officers and youth is vitally
important. We know that mentoring helps children overcome obstacles and reach their potential, and we believe it can play a role in building understanding and bridging divides throughout our community.”
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Mayor Brown Presents Key to City of Buffalo to the Commander and Crew of New Soon-to-be-Commissioned USS Little Rock
December 8 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined with members of the USS Little Rock (LCS 9) Commissioning Committee for the presentation of a key to the City of Buffalo to the new ship’s commander and crew.
“On behalf of the residents of Buffalo, especially our active and retired military, and their families, I am honored to present an official Key to the City to Commander Todd Peters, and his entire crew,” Mayor Brown said. “This is the first time in the U.S. Navy’s 242-year history that a ship will be commissioned alongside its namesake, and wherever the new USS Little Rock travels, it will carry the best wishes of the City of Buffalo.”
Mayor Brown was joined by members of the USS Little Rock (LCS 9) Commissioning Committee, led by its Chairman, Maurice L. Naylon III, who surprised the Mayor with a special honor.
“When we first learned that Buffalo was selected as the host city for the commissioning of LCS 9, our first call was to Mayor Brown, because we knew this would be a great undertaking and would require the cooperation of many to pull this off,” Naylon said. “From site set-up, to logistics to security, we could not have done this without the assistance from the City and Mayor Brown. It is only fitting that we recognize this support by including Mayor Brown on the Commissioning Committee as Honorary Chairman.”
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Winter Parking Rules On City Bus Routes are in Effect Beginning December 6, 2017 at 1:30 am
December 5 - The City of Buffalo announced today that the enforcement of winter parking rules on city bus routes will begin December 6, 2017 at 1:30am.
Click here for a list of routes effected
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Ring in the New Year at First Night Buffalo
29th annual drug-and-alcohol- free event kicks-off New Years festivities downtown.
December 5 - Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined the Independent Health Foundation as they previewed First Night® Buffalo, the ultimate drug- and alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration. The event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31, at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center.
“It's almost time to wave goodbye to 2017 and say hello to 2018 and First Night Buffalo is a great, responsible way for revelers to ring in the new year,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I thank the Independent Health Foundation for its continued commitment to this alcohol- and drug-free New Year’s Eve celebration that has become a memorable tradition for so many families, providing city residents and visitors with a wonderful event to help start off the New Year on a good, positive note.”
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Mayor Brown Discusses Snow Removal Plan for 2017-2018 Winter Season
December 5 - With the potential for heavy lake effect snow in Buffalo this week, Buffalo ‘snow fighters’ want city residents and business owners to know - they’re ready! Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by Department of Public Works Commissioner Steven Stepniak and Streets and Snow Removal Deputy Commissioner Henry Jackson, will showcase the new additions to Buffalo’s snow fighting fleet.
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Winter Parking Rules On City Bus Routes Won't Go Into Effect Until December 6, 2017
December 1 - The City of Buffalo announced today that the enforcement of winter parking rules has been delayed until at least Wednesday, December 6, 2017. The parking regulations are being delayed based on weather forecasts.
Buffalo's New Urban Lightscape Continues to Expand
Mayor Brown joins one of Buffalo’s oldest parishes as it tests the new exterior lighting of the St. Michael Church Bell Tower, located in the heart of Buffalo’s Theatre District. The new illumination will add to the pizzazz in downtown Buffalo.
November 27 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and Father Benjamin Fiore, S.J., the current pastor of St. Michael Church, were joined by representatives from St. Michael Church, Buffalo Place and members of the downtown Theatre District, to test the illumination of the Saint Michael Church Bell Tower in advance of a formal Illumination Ceremony of the Christ our King Bell Tower, scheduled for January 6, 2018. LED-based fixtures are being used for this special application, which will cast white lighting on the tower, with a focus on the cross.
Mayor Brown stated, “Buffalo has many historic church towers, steeples, and buildings. And, in the Downtown district, we continue to light up our landmarks, illuminating and accenting our City’s rich history and remarkable architecture. I’m pleased to join our ‘lighting partners’ in Buffalo’s Theatre District in welcoming another light show at night. Congratulations to St. Michael Church and its parishioners for adding more downtown pizzazz by brightening the bell tower and façade and shining a positive light on Buffalo, as well as the Jesuit mission.”
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Mayor Brown Joins With Buffalo Police Department and Buffalo Police Athletic League Officials to Announce the 6th Season of Game Changers Youth Basketball
November 22 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined representatives of the Buffalo Police Department, the Buffalo Police Athletic League, the City of Buffalo Department of Community Services, the North East Basketball Club, and others to announce the 6th season of the popular Game Changers youth basketball program.
The free, six-week program, which provides a fun, safe and productive way to spend a weekend evening, is open to boys and girls, ages 8 through 18. The goal of the program is to nurture athletic skills, while also equipping at-risk youth with tools to avoid negative behaviors.
“This program is much more than a basketball program. The 200 participants will meet community leaders, elected officials, educators, and entrepreneurs,” Mayor Brown said. “Through Game Changers, these young men and women will be introduced to role models, and given a vision of hope and a reminder that through dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”
Over the past five seasons, more than 1,000 young boys and girls have taken part in Game Changers, which is funded through the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL), according the PAL Executive Director Nekia Kemp.
“Unlike other youth focused mentoring programs in the community, PAL offers a unique benefit—a police officer as a mentor and role model. This police presence provides numerous advantages, while improving relationships with the community and law enforcement. The Game Changers program also allows youth to not only participate in learning the game of basketball, but it provides youth with the opportunity to participate in workshops with successful adults from their community. These adults will encourage our youth to stay on the right path to achieve success!,” Kemp said.
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Mayor Encourages City of Buffalo Residents to Support Local Businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2017
November 22 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today called on City of Buffalo residents to support local businesses when they head out to shop on Small Business Saturday, which is celebrated November 25, 2017.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and are owned by people who have a vested interest in our community, in our schools, and in Buffalo’s quality of life. Please show your support on Small Business Saturday, and throughout the holiday season,” Mayor Brown said.
“Small business owners in the City of Buffalo are among the most generous supporters of civic groups, local charities and youth sports in Buffalo, so it’s important to support them through your holiday purchases,” Mayor Brown added.
Small Business Saturday is a national event, co-sponsored by the federal Small Business Administration and American Express. The “Shop Small” initiative has celebrated small businesses on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving since 2010.
Mayor Brown also noted that there is no charge for on-street parking on Saturdays and Sundays in the City of Buffalo, which makes allows shoppers to visit the diverse collection of home-grown businesses even easier.
“This has been very successful in past years, putting our city retailers on an even playing field with suburban mall sellers who benefit from free parking lots. We’ve found this is a great enticement for non-city residents to come into Buffalo and get acquainted with our unique small business community,” Mayor Brown said.
As part of Small Business Saturday, parking will be free of charge in the Gallagher Ramp, located at 489 Elmwood Avenue. This will aid visitors to the Elmwood Village, as well as, serving as a connection to the free Holiday Shuttle.
Delaware Common Councilmember Joel Feroleto, in conjunction with the Elmwood Village Association, is once again offering free shuttle rides next Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle will make 8 stops between Allen Street and Forest Avenue to make it easy to shop and dine along Elmwood Avenue.
Winter Parking Rules On City Bus Routes Won't Go Into Effect At Least Until December 1, 2017
November 22 - The City of Buffalo announced today that the enforcement of winter parking rules has been delayed until at least Friday, December 1, 2017. The parking regulations are being delayed based on weather forecasts.
Mayor Brown Joined With the Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund to Announce a New "Local Efforts Supply Drive" To Aid Hurricane Survivors Who Are Seeking Refuge in the Buffalo Area
The new effort will assist more than 400 Hurricane Maria survivors who have come to Buffalo and Western New York to resettle via donations of clothing, household goods, and furniture
November 17 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined with the Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund to announce a new donation effort. The just-launched ‘Local Efforts Supply Drive’ will assist families who have come to Buffalo and Western New York after losing their homes in Puerto Rico.
“To date, more than 400 people have come from Puerto Rico, after losing their homes and belongings in Hurricane Maria. We expect that number to increase greatly in the weeks ahead, creating a critical need for winter clothing, household goods, and furniture, so they can begin new lives here,” Mayor Brown said. “We are calling on the good neighbors of our community to help by donating the basic items our new neighbors need to settle in.”
Nadia Pizarro, Co-Chair, of the Local Efforts Supply Drive, said the need is immediate.
“They are arriving here with little more than the clothes on their backs and are desperately in need of warm clothing and household basics. Many are families with young children and elderly persons, and we expect the number of arrivals to rise, from a few hundred now, to a few thousand,” Pizarro said.
The ‘Local Efforts Supply Drive’ is also seeking cash donations to assist the newcomers with security deposits and rent payments, as many are currently staying with relatives or good Samaritans.
“In most cases, they have a temporary roof over their heads, but many are in severely, over-crowded quarters, and need to get into apartments of their own as soon as possible,” Pizarro said.
The Local Efforts Supply Drive is partnering with Catholic Charities of Buffalo and St. Vincent de Paul to establish two drop-off locations in the City of Buffalo.
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Mayor Brown and the WNY Coalition for Homeless Announce Code Blue and More
November 15 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and The Western New York Coalition for the Homeless’ Code Blue Collaborative (CBC) today announced the start of this year’s “Code Blue” and “Code Blue 32” initiatives. Special recognition was also given to Rich Product’s for donating funds to purchase a new van for Code Blue Collaborative initiatives.
Mayor Brown stated, “I thank all of our partners, including Rich Products, for responding to my call last year and stepping forward to further strengthen our Code Blue Collaborative. As we give thanks this holiday season, it’s important for all of us to continue to help out one another and show compassion.”
“Code Blue” is the City of Buffalo’s emergency weather safety plan that provides outreach, engagement, case management, transportation, shelter and a warm meal to Buffalo’s homeless population on evenings when temperatures and wind chill fall to 15 degrees or below from November 15 to March 15. This year’s Code Blue Shelters are located at: The Matt Urban Hope Center- 385 Paderewski Drive, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy- 325 Walden Avenue and Harbor House- 241 Genesee Street.
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Winter Parking Rules On City Bus Routes Won't Go Into Effect At Least Until November 22, 2017
November 10 - The City of Buffalo announced today that the enforcement of winter parking rules has been delayed until at least Wednesday, November 22, 2017. The regulations were slated to go into effect at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, but are being delayed based on weather forecasts.
Mayor Brown, The Police Athletic League of Buffalo Present a Sneak Peek of the Live Auction Items for the 2017 PAL Auction
November 9 – With the 17th Annual PAL Auction just around the corner, Mayor Byron Brown along with the Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL) Board of Directors are encouraging WNY residents, business owners, and PAL supporters to attend the 17th Annual Police Athletic League of Buffalo (PAL) Auction on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center in Buffalo (5:30pm – 9pm). The auction will raise proceeds that are used to support PAL educational, athletic, and cultural programs that benefit the lives of children ages 5-21.
“The work of the Buffalo Police Athletic League is vitally important, improving the quality of life of many of our city youth,” said Mayor Brown, the honorary co-chair of the 2017 PAL Auction. “PAL programs make a significant difference in the lives of our children. I encourage all city residents to do what they can to support the upcoming fundraiser which directly benefits this organization. It also focuses on bringing police and the community even closer together, particularly our officers and young people.”
For over sixty years, PAL has improved the quality of life for our regions’s youth. The Annual PAL Auction raises vital funds, enabling PAL to serve over 20,000 children annually in the Greater Buffalo and Western New York community with supervised activities in safe, structured environments. PAL is well known for its sports programs (such as tennis, boxing, golf and basketball) but also provides cultural & educational programs such as reading, culinary arts, mentoring and leadership.
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Mayor Brown, BUDC Kick Off 2017 Holiday Edition of Queen City Pop-Up
November 8 – Mayor Byron W. Brown, Buffalo Urban Development Corporation (BUDC), Buffalo Place and Working for Downtown today kicked off the 2017 Holiday Edition of Queen City Pop-Up at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 110, located along the 500 block of Main Street near the corner of Chippewa. Queen City Pop-Up 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 project activates empty storefronts by filling them with retailers on a short term basis, free of charge. Key Success, LLC and Ciminelli Real Estate have agreed to sponsor the retail space for Queen City Pop-Up participants this holiday season.
“The City’s investment in the ‘Cars Sharing Main Street’ project, improvements to Fountain Plaza and the Queen City Pop-Up program are drawing more people into downtown’s central business district to shop – as well as cultivating an environment for local small businesses to thrive,” said Mayor Brown, noting that this initiative builds on the economic momentum in Buffalo where over $6.1 billion in new investment is underway, which is expected to create over 12,000 new jobs over the next few years.A Request for Proposals was issued in September to identify local retailers interested in participating in the 2017 Holiday Edition of Queen City Pop-Up. A selection committee, made up of representatives from the Queen City Pop-Up partner organizations, reviewed the proposals and determined the program winners. Six local retailers were selected to participate this cycle: Huggins Home Décor; Black Fawn Exchange; Dollhouse Boutique; Ebony Snow’s Hair Care and Enhancements; Abstract Wealth Clothing and Wrapped with Love Jewelry. These retailers offer a unique mix of items, including home décor, vintage clothing, women’s shoes, all-natural hair products, men’s clothing and handcrafted jewelry.
The Queen City Pop-Up program transforms empty storefronts into vibrant retail spaces that attract shoppers and businesses to downtown Buffalo. The goal of the program is to inspire participating retailers to locate their businesses along downtown Main Street by allowing them to set up shop, rent free for a 2 month period to test their retail concepts. Of the 27 retailers who have completed the Queen City Pop Up program, several Queen City Pop Up graduates have opened permanent stores on Main Street: Buffalo Adore, Rust Belt Love, Yar Mo’s Muse, MMW Style Studio, Buffalo Barkery, Phenominal Xpressions,Whimsy Confections. Four additional Pop UP graduates opened up shops off of Main Street, including Popcorn Kernel and Najah Sauces, which are located at the Broadway Market, Ten Thousand Villages on Elmwood Avenue and Rudeboyz Artworks on West Utica Street.
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Mayor Brown and the University Heights Tool Library Sponsor Community Recycling Event
November 6 – Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo, the University Heights Tool Library along with other community groups will sponsor a Community Dare to Repair Café Event on Saturday, November 18th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM at the The Foundry located at 298 Northampton Street in Buffalo.
The Community Dare to Repair Café Event is designed for residents to repair common household items that may otherwise have been destined for the landfill. Volunteers from the community will be on hand to fix items, such as lamps, vacuums, toys, dolls and small appliances. Volunteer experts will also be available to answer questions about home repairs.
“I encourage city residents to bring their household items to this Community Dare to Repair Café event that is designed to prevent items from ending up in the landfill,” said Mayor Brown. “I am pleased that the City and the University Heights Tool Library are once again teaming up to provide this important opportunity to residents at no cost.”
KnowledgeFire will be on hand to repair bicycles and The Foundry has donated space for this event. KnowledgeFire works with neighborhood children to teach them about bicycle repair and maintenance, as well as general repairs. The mission of The Foundry is to increase neighborhood prosperity by empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship.
The Dare to Repair Café is the latest waste reduction program of Mayor Brown’s 34 and More Buffalo Recycles Campaign. Two previous Dare to Repair Café events were held in September and October. Over 60 people participated and 466 pounds of material was diverted from the landfill.
For additional information, visit www.city-buffalo.com/recycle or please call 311 or 716-851-4890.
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Mayor Brown Submits $22.8 Million City of Buffalo 2018 Capital Budget Proposal
The plan reflects the Brown Administration’s increased emphasis on physical upgrades to City-owned facilities to enhance service efficiencies and cut operational costs, while continuing city-wide improvements to streets, sidewalks, parks and other community assets.
November 1 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today filed his 2018 Proposed Capital Budget Plan which includes $22.8 million for new and ongoing projects to improve or replace City-owned buildings, with the goal of more efficient delivery of services, while also funding projects citywide to continue improving the quality of life for all residents.
“A number of facilities critical to the delivery of citizen services are becoming obsolete or require substantial upgrades. Therefore, my Administration has taken a long-term view of strategic capital improvements that will enhance delivery of services, improve working conditions for our employees, while allowing the City to reimagine some of our sites for higher and better uses,” Mayor Brown said.
Key among the capital projects for which the Mayor Brown wants to complete planning in 2018, are: a new $5 million fire station; $4 million for relocation and construction of a new Buffalo Animal Shelter; and a $2 million upgrade of the East Side Transfer Station, the site where all City garbage is handled.
“The goal is to start planning for these major capital projects in 2018, so we have ample time for the design, siting, and funding stages. These are projects which require detailed planning to ensure they meet the needs of the City, and our residents, for decades to come,” Mayor Brown said.
Mayor Brown noted that the decisions about the new locations for the Buffalo Animal Shelter and the new fire station will be made during the planning process.
Mandated by the City Charter to be submitted by the Mayor on or before November 1st, the Common Council has until December 15th to adopt the recommended capital budget.
The recommended capital budget filed with the Common Council today is a fine-tuned version of the proposal crafted by the Citizens Planning Council (CPC), which reviewed more than $50 million in requests for capital spending.
The budget, which is up $2.8 million from 2017, includes $17.1 million in new projects, and $4.5 million for ongoing projects.
“I’m confident, if the common
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Mayor Brown Continues Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program with Pilot Phase of New Speed Hump Installation
November 1 – Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt and members of the Arden Newburgh Block Club, today announced continuing efforts of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program with the pilot phase installation of new speed humps. The speed humps are a component of Mayor Brown’s joint traffic-safety initiative between the Department of Public Works (DPW) and Buffalo Police (BPD) aimed at slowing traffic in several locations throughout the City. 10 speed humps have been temporarily placed on 5 targeted roadways in City neighborhoods, based on 311 requests and requested to the DPW and Buffalo Police.
“Since the beginning of our Administration, we’ve been committed to taking action to further enhance roadway safety,” said Mayor Brown. “We need to address speeding in the City and the speed humps we are testing today will target areas where speeding concerns have been reported by residents in a continued effort to make the streets of Buffalo safer, not only for drivers and their passengers, but also for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.”
The City’s temporary speed humps are rubber mounds placed on roadways for the purpose of slowing traffic. Speed humps are more gradual than speed bumps, which are commonly seen in parking lots or on private streets. Analysis of residential complaints to Mayor Brown’s 311 Call and Resolution Line, and received by the DPW and BPD, determined the location for the speed humps during this pilot phase. The speed humps will be installed on a temporary basis to promote compliance with the speed limit and to warn motorists that the given location is a focus of the City for compliance. Police enforcement may follow the removal of the speed humps, based on observed compliance.
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Mayor Brown Congratulates Permits and Inspection Services on Being an Exemplary Employer of People with Disabilities
October 30 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today applauded the City of Buffalo Department of Permits and Inspection Services for receiving statewide recognition for its efforts to help people with disabilities become members of the City workforce. The award was presented as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Permits and Inspection Services Commissioner James Comerford received the award from the Western New York Employment Consortium. The New York State Department Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation nominated Permits and Inspection Services for hiring two individuals with disabilities through the 55-A program.
Mayor Brown stated, “I congratulate Commissioner James Comerford and the Department of Permits and Inspection Services for taking my directive seriously to foster an inclusive workforce. This recognition by the WNY Employment Consortium reflects the important role that different perspectives play in continuing to grow Buffalo’s workforce success.”
“Mayor Brown charged our department with hiring a staff that looks like the City of Buffalo. We took this charge seriously and our proud to be recognized. The award really goes to our two employees who have served the City of Buffalo well and have been a welcome addition to our department,” said Commissioner James Comerford Jr.
The theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month was Inclusion Drives Innovation. Other agencies receiving the award ECC City Campus, Harmac Industries, Tonawanda Public Library, D’Avolia, Beachwood Services, etc.
Mayor Brown, Erie County Executive Polancarz and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Mark National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
New Renovate Right! billboards, to increase public awareness of Lead Safe Work Practices, make debut throughout City of Buffalo and Erie County
October 27 – Mayor Byron W. Brown joined with Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and representatives of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to unveil new billboards to educate City of Buffalo and Erie County residents on lead-safe renovation practices.
The 60 ‘Renovate Right!’ billboards, which include 30 in the City Buffalo, are aimed at both homeowners and tenants making any renovations which could disturb pre-1978 lead-based paint. The billboards were put up this week to mark National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which runs from October 22-28. They will be posted in rotating locations through late January 2018.
“What might seem like a minor project - just scraping a door frame or a window sill to remove chipped or peeling paint before giving it a fresh coat - has the potential to spread dangerous lead dust, which could cause lead poisoning,” Mayor Brown said. “We hope these new billboards cause do-it-yourselfers to visit the updated WipeOutLead.com website, or call the Erie County Department of Health at 961-6800, to learn some very easy, lead-safe work practices to prevent lead poisoning.”
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Mayor Brown Celebrates a Record-Breaking Clean Sweep Season
October 26 - Mayor Byron Brown and members of the City of Buffalo Division of Citizen Services Save Our Streets (SOS) Task Force completed the 2017 clean sweep season today by marking the city’s record-breaking 32nd clean sweep, the most ‘sweeps’ ever conducted in a single season.
Over the past six months, Mayor Brown and the SOS Task Force conducted 32 ‘Clean Sweeps’ citywide, to address blight and quality of life issues in the city of Buffalo. In today’s final sweep in the Masten District, a number of city services were performed, including the removal of debris and graffiti, house board ups, lawn mowing and the distribution of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
“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. “This year, between May 31st and today, October 26th, we conducted a record-breaking 32 Clean Sweeps, reconfirming my Administration’s continuing commitment to address blight and quality of life issues in each City Council District for the benefit of our residents and their neighborhoods.”
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Mayor Brown Announces the Start of Buffalo Leaf Recycling Program
October 14 – Mayor Byron Brown today announced that the City of Buffalo will collect bagged leaves and yard waste from now until December 1st. City residents can put their bagged leaves at the curb during this time period for composting.
“The City of Buffalo appreciates the cooperation of its citizens in helping this year’s bagged leaf collection process run as smoothly as possible,” said Mayor Brown, noting that participation in the city’s leaf recycling program further protects our environment and addresses his green vision goal of 34% recycling. “I encourage our residents to learn about the different leaf recycling collection alternatives available to them citywide so that our community can continue to properly recycle, saving taxpayer dollars by keeping leaves out of landfills.”
To participate in this collection, city residents are asked to place their leaves in clear plastic bags or brown recyclable bags. These bags are available at local hardware stores, home centers, and other retailers. There is no limit to the number of paper leaf bags residents may place at the curb for pickup. Yard waste in the form of sticks and branches should be tied in bundles with ‘twine’ or ‘rope’ and be no longer than 4 feet in length. Do not rake leaves into the street; leaves should not be placed in garbage totes. Also, residents should be advised that raking leaves into city streets is illegal and punishable by fine.
Residents are also being asked to place their yard waste on the curb. Yard waste and bagged leaves may be picked up on a different day than the garbage day. City residents should not be concerned if they are left behind after garbage removal.
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Mayor Brown, Buffalo Fire Celebrate Fire Prevention and Safety Month
October is National Fire Prevention Month and firehouses throughout the city are hosting open houses to encourage increased fire safety and prevention in Buffalo
‘Every Second Counts’ is this year’s Fire Prevention Theme
October 10 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that the City of Buffalo will celebrate National Fire Prevention Month by hosting six Open Houses at firehouses citywide. Free smoke detectors with 10- year non-removable batteries, coloring books and fire prevention safety tips will be distributed. The fire prevention and safety events are designed to educate children and families about fire safety, and provide them with a behind-the-scenes view of the job of a firefighter.
Mayor Brown stated, “We all know that the best way to prevent injury and property loss due to a fire is to be prepared. Fire Prevention Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness on a number of issues and I thank Buffalo Fire for its continued commitment to the safety of our city residents and business owners. This year’s fire prevention theme focuses on the need for every home to have several home escape plans. I encourage residents to attend one of our Fire Prevention and Safety Open Houses in Buffalo during the month of October to learn more about how to safely escape a typical home fire.”
“Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out,” is the 2017 National Fire Prevention Theme, which is a reference to the fact that newer homes burn faster than ever, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which suggests families prioritize the need to make and practice several home escape plans.
“Modern home furnishings, along with the fact that newer homes tend to be built with more open spaces and unprotected lightweight construction, all contribute to an increased rate at which home fires burn,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “These factors make home escape planning and practice critical.”
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As New Sabres Season Begins, Mayor Brown and North Buffalo Hockey Celebrate Major Upgrades at Lafayette Ice Rink
October 7 – Youth hockey in Buffalo continues to grow strong in a city that’s ranked as one of the top Hockey Cities in the country. Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown joined dignitaries on the ice, including Delaware District Council Member Joel Feroleto and skaters, to celebrate the completion of a new ice-making system at the North Buffalo’s Lafayette Ice Rink, the most critical component of an ice rink. The $1.5 million upgrade brings the Brown Administration’s total investment in the facility since 2006 to over $3.4 million.
“Youth hockey in our city is a growing game,” said Mayor Brown. “The ice-making system upgrade at the Lafayette Ice Rink will further improve the hockey experience for the growing demand of boys and girls who strap on their skates, and take to the ice. I’m pleased we’ve been able to provide so many new improvements to this valuable facility in North Buffalo, and I congratulate the Bison Hockey Organization for the outstanding job it has done operating this rink.”
The North Buffalo Bison Hockey Association, formed in 1959, manages the Lafayette Ice Rink and is currently made up of 400 dedicated families, who have volunteered to bring about long needed improvements at the rink.
In addition to the new ice-making system, other past improvements to the rink include: a new Zamboni, dasher boards, protective glass, locker room upgrades and a new scoreboard. City crews also installed new lighting units and reflective ceilings for increased visibility on ice surfaces.
“Hockey is not only who we are in Buffalo. It’s how we live,” said Mayor Brown. “As our economic revitalization continues in Buffalo, our City is also becoming a destination for players and the hockey world. With the new Sabres season now underway, with the opening of HarborCenter and its popularity among hockey fans, and with strong youth hockey programs citywide, we continue to improve the quality of life for all of our residents, while attracting increased investment and job growth.”
For the second straight year and fourth time in 10 seasons, the Sabres will get their home schedule started with the Montreal Canadiens. Buffalo will host Montreal at 7 p.m. on October 5, 2017.
Traffic Advisory From the City of Buffalo Parking Department in Advance of the Buffalo Sabres Season Opener
October 4 – As the Buffalo Sabres season opener gets underway on Thursday night, the City of Buffalo Parking Department offers the following suggestions for hockey fans who plan to attend the 7 pm game to ensure a friendly and efficient experience.
• Motorists are encouraged to park in convenient, city-owned parking ramps, with prices ranging from $2 to $10. The ramps closest to Key Bank Center are the One Seneca Ramp and the Adam Ramp. However, all of the city-owned parking facilities are located within walking distance of the light-rail on Main Street. For more information about the locations, please visit Buffalo Civic Auto Ramps (BCAR) website at bcarparking.com.
• Reminder: street parking in the downtown central business district is free (after 5) and on weekends, and a short walk to the light-rail.
• In addition, city residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize other available means of public transportation to downtown Buffalo, including the light-rail on Main Street.
• The NFTA has two park-and-ride locations along the metro rail line. The LaSalle Station parking lot has 732 free spaces, and just to the north of there, the University Station at UB South has another 312 spots. Drivers can park in those lots, pay a small fee and ride the metro rail all the way to Key Bank Center.
• There will also be increased Buffalo Police Traffic Unit patrols in and around Key Bank Center.
For the second straight year and fourth time in 10 seasons, the Sabres will get their home schedule started with the Montreal Canadiens. Buffalo will host Montreal at 7 p.m. on October 5, 2017. The top of Buffalo City Hall will be lit blue and gold from October 4 through 8 pm on October 5th, in recognition of the start of a new Sabres Season.
Mayor Byron W. Brown And Buffalo Police Collaborate With Residents For 'Coffee With A Cop' Day
October 4 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and Buffalo Police kicked off ‘Coffee with a Cop’ day in the City of Buffalo today at the Tim Horton’s at Delaware and Linden. Coffee with a Cop is a national law enforcement program that brings police officers and the community members they serve together—over coffee—to discuss community topics, learn more about each other and build relationships in an informal, positive environment.
“I want our Buffalo Police officers and residents to continue to respect one another and foster positive relationships,” said Mayor Brown. “Taking part in ‘Coffee with a Cop’ day is part of our ongoing efforts to engage community members and police as we work together to build an even stronger Buffalo for all.”
‘Coffee with a Cop’ provides city residents the opportunity to sit down with officers, ask questions and share what’s on their mind. Community members and police officers get to know each other and discover mutual goals for their community.
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Mayor Brown, WNY Latino Leadership Continue To Raise Funds For Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief
Over $15,000 collected locally - to date - for the Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund
October 3 – Financial donations for victims of Hurricane Maria continue to pour it at The Belle Center in Buffalo.
Today, Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by State Assembly Members Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Sean Ryan and members of the Hispanic Council of WNY, announced that over $15,000 has been donated locally (to date) to the recently established Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund.
Mayor Brown stated, “I thank my colleagues in government and Buffalo residents for continuing to rally together to assist those in need. As the City of Good Neighbors, we understand the importance of helping out those in need and I think when Puerto Rico sees our positive response, they’ll know for sure that Buffalo is here for them and have our full support.”
“It’s during challenging times like this that the City of Buffalo earns its reputation as The City of Good Neighbors. I am honored to be able to contribute towards the relief efforts so that survivors can have a bit of normalcy restored in the immediate future,” stated Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes.
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Mayor Brown, City of Buffalo and The Roebling Avenue Block Club Sponsor Community Recycling Event
October 2 - Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that the City of Buffalo will sponsor a Community Shredding and Recycling Event on Saturday, October 14th from 9:00AM – 12:00PM. The Roebling Avenue Block Club will host the event, located on the corner of Roebling and East Delavan Avenues.
The Roebling Avenue Block Club was selected to host the event as the Grand Prize winner of Mayor Brown’s Let’s DO This! Block Club Recycling Competition. The friendly block club competition took place this past summer as part of a continued campaign to increase recycling participation citywide.
“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 applaud the Roebling Avenue Block Club for working with their neighbors to participate in the City of Buffalo Recycling Programs.”
The October 14th 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.
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.
Donations for Maria Victims are Pouring in at Buffalo Drop-Off Sites (Go-Fund-Me account link)
Donations for victims of Hurricane Maria are steadily piling up at various donation drive drop-off locations, including Buffalo City Hall, after Mayor Byron W. Brown, in conjunction with the Western New York Latino Leadership, launched a city-wide donation initiative to aid persons impacted by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
September 29 – Mayor Brown stated, “The city of Buffalo is the proud home to a large and growing Puerto Rican community and this has been a difficult few weeks for many of our neighbors who have yet to hear from their loved ones in Puerto Rico. I thank Buffalo residents for rallying together to assist those in need, particularly the victims of Hurricane Maria. As the City of Good Neighbors, we understand the importance of helping out those in need and I think when Puerto Rico sees our positive response, they’ll know for sure that Buffalo is here for them and have our full support.”
On Wednesday, September 20, 2017, catastrophic, category 4 Hurricane Maria made direct impact across the entire island of Puerto Rico. It left the entire island without electricity and knocked down cell towers, stopping all communications and other major damage.
Mayor Byron W. Brown, in partnership with Western New York Latino Leaders, have come together to assist the victims of Hurricane Maria, and established The Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund to help provide both immediate and on-going support to the residents of Puerto Rico.
Multiple donation centers have been set up to collect items for emergency relief from Monday, September 25 to – at least - Friday, October 6. Locations include Buffalo City Hall, County Buildings, ECC, as well as the Belle Center at 104 Maryland St. (8am-6pm) and St. Anthony’s Church at 306 Ingham Ave. Lackawanna (10am-12pm and 2-4pm), and a number of Buffalo City Schools. Once these desperately needed items have been collected, they will be transported to the Connecticut Street Armory and, as arranged by Governor Andrew Cuomo, will then be flown to Puerto Rico.
The following is a list of much-needed supplies: batteries, flashlights, candles, paper products, matches, lighters, manual can openers, canned food, dry foods, protein bars, baby formula, pet food, tarps, blankets, AM/FM portable radios, portable lanterns, diapers, baby wipes, cases of water and feminine hygiene products. All items must be unopened and in their original packaging. Please DO NOT donate clothing or perishable items, those will not be taken.
Other donation options include: a bank account, managed through the Belle Center, has been established at M & T Bank. Tax-deductible donation checks may be made payable to the Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. A Go-Fund-Me account has also been established.
Mayor Brown Kicks Off Minority-And-Women-Owned Businesses (MBE/WBE) Week in Buffalo
September 25 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today kicked off and highlighted a week of activity focused on Minority-and- Women-owned businesses (MBE/WBE) in Buffalo by issuing a proclamation, declaring September 25-29, 2017 as MBE/WBE Week in the City of Buffalo, in support of the great value Minority-and-Women-owned businesses have to the community.
"One of my top priorities has always been to ensure that all businesses have the opportunity to compete and succeed," said Mayor Brown. "Minority-and-women-owned businesses are of great value to the City of Buffalo and I thank our partners who are sponsoring events this week that help us with our ongoing efforts to grow small businesses locally and throughout our region."
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Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund - Mayor Byron W. Brown and WNY Hispanic Leaders Mobilize Community To Aid Puerto Rico
September 22 – On Wednesday, September 20, 2017, catastrophic, category 4 Hurricane Maria made direct impact across the entire island of Puerto Rico. It left the entire island without electricity and knocked down cell towers, stopping all communications and other major damage. Many residents had gone days without water or electricity even before Hurricane Maria hit due to the impact of Hurricane Irma. With Buffalo having one of the largest Puerto Rican communities outside of the island, it has personally affected many city residents who have struggled in recent days, not knowing if their loved ones are safe.
Mayor Byron W. Brown, in partnership with Western New York Latino Leaders, have come together to assist the victims of Hurricane Maria, and established The Puerto Rico Hurricane Maria Relief Fund to help provide both immediate and on-going support to the residents of Puerto Rico. To support efforts, resources and involvement are needed from the Buffalo area community.
Multiple donation centers have been set up to collect items for emergency relief from Monday, September 25 to – at least - Friday, October 6. Locations include Buffalo City Hall, All County Buildings, ECC, as well as the Belle Center at 104 Maryland St. (8am-6pm) and St. Anthony’s Church at 306 Ingham Ave. Lackawanna (10am-12pm and 2-4pm). Once these desperately needed items have been collected, we will ship them directly to a collection center located in Puerto Rico.
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Mayor Brown Announces Winners of Let's Do This! Community Recycling Competition
September 18 - Mayor Byron W. Brown announced today that Roebling Avenue Block Club was the top winner of the City of Buffalo’s Let’s DO This! Block Club Recycling Competition. The Roebling Avenue Block Club increased community participation in curbside recycling by 167%! Second place went to the Walden Heights Community Block Club. As winners of the competition, these Block Clubs will receive a Community Shredding Event and/or a Community Garden. Winners were announced at the Apollo Media Center.
“I encourage city residents to participate in all the varied recycling opportunities available in the City of Buffalo,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “I am pleased that City of Buffalo Block Clubs embraced the challenge and took part in my friendly and fun Let’s DO This! Recycling Competition. Recycling is good for the environment and the economy, and everyone wins when we recycle more!”
Let’s DO This! Block Club Recycling Competition was launched in July 2017 to incentivize residents to participate in curbside recycling and help bring the City to its goal of 34% recycling. Under Mayor Brown’s leadership, the City has introduced many programs designed to increase recycling, including single-stream green tote recycling, electronic waste recycling, expanded curbside yard waste pickup and drop off center, the Western New York Coalition for Donated Goods and the 34andMore Buffalo Recycles promotional event.
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Mayor Brown Announces Start Of $5.7 Million Streetscape Phase Of The $70 Million Northland Corridor Project
Work began today on a major upgrade of Northland Avenue which will create an attractive, walkable corridor to link the new workforce training and jobs campus to the neighborhood
September 15 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that work is now underway on the $5.7 million streetscape phase of the $70 million Northland Corridor project. Crews began the complete transformation of Northland Avenue, between Grider Street and Fillmore Avenue, which will create an attractive, walkable and safe corridor that will link the East Side neighborhood to the 35-acre training and jobs campus.
“A major focus of the streetscape project is to connect the on-site work, that’s well underway, to the community, helping to transform the surrounding neighborhood,” Mayor Brown said.
The streetscape project, which will be complete in late 2018, includes all new water and sewer lines, street paving, new curbs and sidewalks, new greenscape – featuring many street trees and plantings, and LED streetlights.
Another highlight will be the new traffic signal at this intersection to accommodate expected additional pedestrian traffic entering the re-imagined site.
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Mayor Brown Joined Joe Dash, Owner of Dash's Markets To Break Ground For A New State-Of-The-Art Dash's Market On Hertel Avenue
The new 47,500-square-foot, two-story Dash’s Market will be built at the corner of Hertel and Starin avenues, replacing the existing market,
which dates back to the 1940s
September 12 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined Joe Dash, owner of Dash’s Markets, to break ground for a $13 million project which will bring a state-of-the-art Dash’s to the corner of Hertel and Starin avenues.
“This is yet another example of a veteran Buffalo business reinvesting in the City. It also continues the surge of momentum we’ve been witnessing of booming business along the Hertel Avenue business corridor,” Mayor Brown said. “Joe’s family has been in the grocery business in Buffalo for nearly a century, and I wish them the best of luck for many decades to come.”
Demolition will begin at the site this month, with the new store slated to open by October 1, 2018. The new, 47,500-square-foot, two-story Dash’s, will replace the current 13,000-square-foot market, located only a few feet away, at 1770 Hertel Ave.
The larger store with increased emphasis on personal service will boost employment from a current 75 associates, up to 175, including 35 full-time employees.
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Donations for Harvey Victims are Filling Up at Buffalo City Hall
Mayor Brown’s city-wide donation initiative to aid persons impacted by Hurricane Harvey continues as UB Smile Team drops off donations for Houston Hurricane Victims. Items will be transported to Texas on September 11th, the national day of service which commemorates the victims, survivors and first-responders of the 9/11 attacks.
September 7 – Donations for victims of Hurricane Harvey are steadily piling up at Buffalo City Hall after Mayor Byron W. Brown, in conjunction with the Buffalo Salvation Army and True Bethel Baptist Church, recently launched a city-wide donation initiative to aid persons impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Today, the University at Buffalo Smile Team joined the growing number of city employees, residents and organizations who answered the call and made a donation.
Mayor Brown stated, “Our thoughts are still with the people of Texas and I thank the University at Buffalo Smile Team and everyone else who stepped up to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. As the City of Good Neighbors, we understand the importance of helping out those in need and I think when Texas sees our positive response, they’ll know for sure that Buffalo is here for them and have our full support.”
Anyone wishing to contribute may bring items to established drop-off points: Buffalo City Hall, True Bethel at 907 E. Ferry St. and the Salvation Army headquarters, at 960 Main Street. Donations will be accepted through the end of the week. The following is a list of much needed supplies: new toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels, blankets, baby formula, diapers, baby wipes, deodorant, shampoo, cases of water, crayons, pencils, pens and notebooks. A more extensive list of donation drop-off locations and requested items can be found on the City of Buffalo website: www.city-buffalo.com
The barrels of donated goods will then be transported to Texas on September 11th, the national day of service which commemorates the victims, survivors and first-responders of the 9/11 attacks. Buffalo’s delivery will be part of that continuing tribute and a gesture of kindness to our fellow Americans recovering the wrath of Hurricane Harvey’s devastation.
Mayor Brown Calls On Buffalo Residents To Donate Basic Household and School Supplies to the Victims of Hurricane Harvey
Mayor Byron W. Brown was joined by Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen, Major Thomas Applin of the Buffalo Salvation Army and Buffalo Common Council Members to detail the collection effort
September 3 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today called on Buffalo residents to participate in a city-wide donation initiative to aid persons impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
“As the City of Good Neighbors, we understand the importance of helping out those in need. Hundreds of thousands of people in Texas, particularly the residents of Houston, need our help and we are honored to lend a hand,” Mayor Brown said. “Basic personal care and back-to-school items are badly needed and will be much-appreciated by so many who have lost so much to Hurricane Harvey. I have no doubt Buffalo residents will open their hearts and wallets to purchase and donate these basic necessities.”
The list of requested items include: new toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels, blankets, baby formula, diapers, baby wipes, deodorant, shampoo, cases of water, crayons, pencils, pens and notebooks.
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Mayor Brown Hosts 16th Annual Reading Rules! Mayor's Summer Reading Challenge Celebration
More than 2,000 Champion Readers – the largest number in the program’s history – successfully completed the 2017 summer reading challenge
September 2 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today celebrated the success of more than 2,000 local K-12 grade students who successfully completed the 16th Annual Mayor’s Reading Rules! Summer Reading Challenge.
Many of this summer’s Champion Readers and their families gathered at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for a celebration that included breakfast, entertainment and prizes. “I am so proud of the more than 2,000 students - the largest group ever - who completed the challenge to become Champion Readers. 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. “Reading Rules! is one of our hallmark initiatives and it gets better and better as the years go on.”
Mayor Brown began “Reading Rules!” in 2001, while serving 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 2006, nearly 15,000 students have completed what is now known as Mayor Byron W. Brown’s Reading Rules! Summer Reading Challenge.
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Mayor Brown and People Inc. Break Ground For New Jefferson Avenue Apartments
August 28 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and People Inc. broke ground for the new Jefferson Avenue Apartments today. Located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, the apartments will be a vibrant community with individuals of mixed incomes and those with developmental disabilities who live independently and part of the strategic
transformation that’s underway in this historic neighborhood.
The highly anticipated site development is located on two lots running between Dodge Street and Northampton on Jefferson Avenue. It will consist of 84 mixed-income apartments, with approximately 16 to be reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities who live independently.
The $24 million site development anticipates funding sources coming from the City of Buffalo, Empire State Development, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Housing and Community Renewal and the NYS Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Federal Low-income Housing Tax Credits and State Low-income Housing Tax Credit.
Mayor Byron W. Brown stated, “From the day I took office over a decade ago, we’ve aggressively supported affordable housing in Buffalo and this project is a great fit for the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood, complementing my Administration’s $50 million investment plan for this community. Since 2006, we’ve invested over $34 million in affordable housing, an investment that has leveraged over $333 million in residential development and the creation of over 1,400 units of affordable housing citywide. I applaud People Inc. for these mixed-income apartments that include units designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, a wonderful new contribution to the historic Jefferson Avenue neighborhood.”
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Mayor Brown Invites Residents and Visitors to The 16th Year of The National Buffalo Wing Festival 2017; Festival Expected to Draw People World-Wide
August 23 - Mayor Byron W. Brown and National Buffalo Wing Festival Founder Drew Cerza announced that The National Buffalo Wing Festival, one of the country’s most beloved food festivals, returns to Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, New York Sept. 2-3 to celebrate its 16th year. The festival, which attracted 70,000+ attendees from all 50 states and 46 different countries last year, will feature more than 30 local, regional, national, and international eateries serving over 100 styles of chicken wings as well as other festival favorite foods.
“As the birthplace of the chicken wing, Buffalo pushes the celebration of the wing to greater heights every year with the National Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival. Now in its 16th year, it’s become a must-attend event for not only local residents, but wing fans from across the U.S., Canada and the world. I’m looking forward to another fantastic wing-filled weekend on September 2nd and 3rd,” said Mayor Brown.
“Last year, we added many new features to the festival that were big hits with the crowd. This year we are fine tuning and expanding the offerings” said “Wing King” and festival founder, Drew Cerza.
In addition to the food frenzy, festivalgoers can enjoy a weekend packed with activities ranging from competitive wing eating contests, amateur cook-offs, pageants, music, children’s entertainment and the ever-popular “Bobbing for Wings competition. (Think, gallons of blue cheese dressing, and contestants wearing goggles!).
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Mayor Brown Announces Long-Term Contract to Bring State-of-the-Art Movie Theater to Downtown Buffalo's Market Arcade Complex
The Benchmark Group and AMC Theatres have inked a deal to open an all-new AMC Market Arcade 8 by Summer 2018, in space which formerly housed the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre
August 23 - Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined with The Benchmark Group to announce a long-term lease agreement has been reached to locate a state-of-the-art AMC Theatre in downtown Buffalo’s Market Arcade complex. The AMC Market Arcade 8 will be located in renovated space which was previously home to the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre, located at 639 Main St., which closed in June 2014.
“This will be a completely new movie complex. This theater will make downtown Buffalo and the City of Buffalo an even more attractive destination for people living in the city, and throughout the region,” Mayor Brown said. “It will add more excitement to the Theatre District, and attract more patrons for our other downtown businesses.”
The Mayor applauded The Benchmark Group and AMC Theatres for negotiating a long-term lease which will result in a $9 million investment in the downtown site.
“When The Benchmark Group began talks with AMC in 2014 about a downtown theater, I had faith this day would come. Both Benchmark and AMC worked through some unforeseen circumstances in the negotiation process, but I’m pleased both parties stuck with it to reach a deal that’s a big win for the City of Buffalo,” Mayor Brown said.
The 35,000-square-foot building will feature eight auditoriums with more than 650 comfortable AMC Signature recliners. The theater will feature reserved seating and ticketless entry, the latest in sight and sound technology, Coca-Cola Freestyle, and AMC Feature Fare, an expanded menu far beyond the traditional movie theatre fare.=
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Let The Puerto Rican And Hispanic Day Parade Celebrations Begin
In preparation for the 15th annual Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade, Mayor Brown raises the flag at Niagara Square
August 10 – Mayor Byron W. Brown today joined members of the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade Association of WNY for a flag raising ceremony at Niagara Square, kicking off a series of sponsored events that celebrate Buffalo’s Hispanic Heritage. In preparation for the August 19th parade, flags already align Niagara Street, also known as Avenida San Juan. Paving along Niagara Street as part of the $2.5 million Phase II Niagara Streetscape is now underway and, weather permitting, is expected to be completed by the parade date.
Mayor Brown stated, “Buffalo’s greatest assets are its people and its diversity and the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade and Festival highlight this. I thank organizers for their longstanding commitment to this event and encourage city residents and visitors to attend the upcoming festivities.”
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Mayor Brown Announces Next Street Selected as Program Operator of The Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center
Next Street has a track record of operating successful small business advisory service centers for underserved populations in major cities across the U.S.
August 10 – Mayor Byron W. Brown joined with representatives of the National Development Council and Community Development Properties, Buffalo, Inc. to announce the selection of Next Street, as the program operator of the Beverly Gray Business Exchange Center.
The advisory firm, with offices in New York City, Boston, and Chicago, was selected following a national RFP process that started in January.
Sitting at the intersection of small business and economic development, Next Street provides strategic and capital advice to revitalize communities, grow businesses, and create jobs. The firm serves an array of clients ranging from small businesses to large institutions and government agencies, and brings deep experience providing financing solutions, training, and strategic advice to entrepreneurs and urban businesses.
By focusing on business planning and strategy, and linking them to additional capital, Next Street helps businesses expand their capacity to serve more clients and handle larger jobs. Most of the firm’s small business clients are in low- and moderate-income areas and nearly three-fourths are minority or women-owned.
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Mayor Brown Welcomes City Seniors To Annual Summer BBQ
1,500 city seniors attend Mayor Brown’s annual Summer Picnic
August 9 - Mayor Byron W. Brown honored city seniors today at his annual Senior Citizen Summer Picnic. This year, the event was held at Front Park on Porter Avenue and attracted 1,500 seniors from neighborhoods city wide.
“I am grateful to our city seniors for working, raising families, and contributing to the success of the Buffalo community,” said Mayor Brown. “My annual summer picnic is our way of thanking our seniors for their continued dedication and contributions to Buffalo.”
For more information about activities for city seniors, call the City of Buffalo Division of Senior Services at (716) 851-4141.
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Mayor Brown Welcomes 16 New BPD Police Recruits in an Official Swearing-in Ceremony
August 7 – Continuing his commitment to public safety and community policing, Mayor Byron W. Brown, joined by Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, today welcomed 16 new Buffalo Police Department recruits to the force. The new recruits took the oath of office during an official swearing-in ceremony at Buffalo Police Headquarters.
“I’m pleased to welcome this next generation of Buffalo police officers, a diverse group of 16 police recruits, which includes eight women. This will bring the total number of active female BPD officers to 167,” said Mayor Brown. “By adding more diversity to our police force, we continue to foster an even greater respect between the community and police. I’m particularly proud that two members of this class are recipients of my administration’s BPD21C scholarship.”
A total of 20 recipients of Mayor Brown’s ‘Buffalo Police Department 21st Century Scholarship Program (BPD21C) have been sworn in as officers since last fall. BPD21C was launched in early 2016 as a first- of-its-kind program, designed to further strengthen the City’s police force by adding more diversity and fostering an even greater respect between the community and police.
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Mayor Brown Announces Traffic Safety Initiative
August 3 – Mayor Byron W. Brown and North District Council Member Joseph Golombek, Jr. today launched a new joint traffic-safety initiative between the Department of Public Works and Buffalo Police aimed at slowing traffic in several locations throughout the city. Standing along Amherst Street at Reservation, Mayor Brown announced that a portable electronic speed read-out sign is now in place in an effort to slow motorists down along a corridor known for chronic speeding. Analysis of residential complaints to Mayor Brown’s 311 Call and Resolution Line determined the location. The new traffic calming program, announced earlier this year during Mayor Brown’s Budget Message, also includes increased enforcement of traffic laws by police in targeted neighborhoods.
“Since the beginning of our Administration, we’ve been committed to taking action to further enhance roadway safety,” said Mayor Brown. “We need to address speeding in the city. We've been hearing that a lot from different neighborhoods and the speed read-out signs we are announcing today will target areas known for chronic speeding in a continued effort to make the streets of Buffalo safer, not only for drivers and their passengers, but also for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
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Mayor Brown Celebrates 2017 National Night Out Attending Neighborhood Gatherings Citywide
August 1 – Mayor Byron W. Brown spent an evening visiting Buffalo neighborhoods to celebrate 2017 National Night Out. The 34th annual nationwide celebration of neighborhood unity, which took place in more than 16,000 communities across America, is aimed at building neighborhood camaraderie, while reinforcing relationships between residents and local police and fire personnel.
“Once again our block clubs have enthusiastically embraced National Night Out with gatherings in every area of the City of Buffalo,” Mayor Brown said. “The National Night Out initiative helps promote education and create dialogue between residents and our first responders, while also providing our citizens with information on our key city services.”
During National Night Out, over 150 block clubs and organizations citywide hosted block parties, cookouts and other various community events. Mayor Brown kicked-off Buffalo’s National Night Out at the Martha Mitchell Center, where he was joined by Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda, Acting Fire Commissioners Johnathan Eaton and Vincent Muscarella, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority Leadership, and representatives from the Police Athletic League.
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Mayor Brown Announces Start of Recruiting for the Northland Corridor Project Pre-Apprenticeship Program
July 28 – 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
July 23 – 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
July 12 – 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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"With dangerously cold weather in the forecast, we must take extra safety precautions because it’s simply unsafe for anyone to be outside for prolonged periods of time. This is why my administration has called for temporary warming centers to be established for those in need this weekend," said Mayor Brown.
Below is the list of participating centers that will be open as warming centers in the City of Buffalo:
1. The Dorothy J. Collier Community Center, 118 East Utica Street, Buffalo, N.Y 14209
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
2. The Old First Ward Community Center, 62 Republic Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14204
Hours: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday thru Friday.
3. North Buffalo Community Center, 203 Saunders Road, Buffalo, N.Y. 14216 Hours: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm – Monday thru Friday, Saturday 10:00am to 5:00 pm, Sunday, only if needed.
4. William – Emslie Family YMCA, 585 William Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 13206, Hours: 6:00am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday.
5. West Side Community Services, 161 Vermont Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Hours: 8:00am to 8:00pm. Monday thru Friday.
6. Schiller Park Senior Center, 2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo, New York 14211 Hours: 8:00am to 4:30pm. Monday thru Friday.
7. The Belle Center, 104 Maryland Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14201 Hours: 6:30am to 8:30pm. Monday thru Friday.
8. Richmond-Summer Senior Center, 337 Summer Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222 Hours: 8:00am to 3:00pm. Monday thru Friday.
9. Autumnwood Senior Center, 1800 Clinton Street, Buffalo, N.Y. 14206 Hours: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday thru Friday.
Those in need of a shelter can call 311 to find the nearest possible locations.
Below is the list of participating centers that will be open as warming centers in the City of Buffalo:
Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and other elected officials today, to announce that the Northland Workforce Training Center has reached a key construction milestone with window installation underway. The first set of 156 replica historic windows are now being installed in the former industrial building, located at 683 Northland Avenue.
"We’ve reached an exciting milestone. The Northland Workforce Training Center will welcome its first students in just over four months. Remediation, stabilization, and interior demolition is complete, and new concrete floors have been poured. And as these windows go in, you can feel this building come alive," Mayor Brown said.
"Growing up in Western New York, I remember seeing the impact of factories being shuttered and workers losing their jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Governor and I have a bold vision to build off Buffalo’s legacy as a global hub for industry and commerce and have focused on attracting new businesses offering advanced careers of the 21st century. The Northland Workforce Training Center is a key part of our State’s economic development strategy in Buffalo and Western New York. This project will prepare a new generation of skilled workers and provides a catalyst for the future of Buffalo’s East Side by restoring a historic building to its former glory."
"We’ve reached an exciting milestone. The Northland Workforce Training Center will welcome its first students in just over four months. Remediation, stabilization, and interior demolition is complete, and new concrete floors have been poured. And as these windows go in, you can feel this building come alive," Mayor Brown said.
"Growing up in Western New York, I remember seeing the impact of factories being shuttered and workers losing their jobs," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Governor and I have a bold vision to build off Buffalo’s legacy as a global hub for industry and commerce and have focused on attracting new businesses offering advanced careers of the 21st century. The Northland Workforce Training Center is a key part of our State’s economic development strategy in Buffalo and Western New York. This project will prepare a new generation of skilled workers and provides a catalyst for the future of Buffalo’s East Side by restoring a historic building to its former glory."
