Buffalo to contribute $300,000 for new street lighting system

According to mayor Byron Brown, the city will provide $300,000 to the continuing Seneca St. Business District infrastructure improvement project. In 2007, Brown created the Grow Buffalo Fund, which was designed specifically to support these types of neighborhood-based initiatives. The city's contribution to this project will cover the purchase and installation of 80 new street light standards along the business district. "The Seneca St. Business District is undergoing a significant infrastructure upgrade thanks to the collaborative effort of congressman Brian Higgins, state assemblyman Mark Schroeder and Erie County legislator Tim Kennedy," said Brown. "I'm very pleased to join my government colleagues in contributing to this very worthy effort that will help strengthen and enhance this important city business district." The Seneca St. Business District is currently undergoing a $1.3 million infrastructure improvement effort that includes the city's contribution for new street lights, as well as road repaving, sidewalk improvements (including fixing handicapped sidewalk cuts), upgraded crosswalks and new landscaping along the business district. "Investing from the ground up along primary corridors like Seneca Street builds stronger neighborhoods and creates a more attractive place for business growth," said congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the house transportation and infrastructure committee.  "I am proud to stand with my colleagues in government to announce this tremendous investment into the Seneca St. business district," said Erie County legislator Kennedy. "The fierce, unrelenting advocacy of assemblyman Mark Schroeder, along with a shared vision and financial commitment from congressman Higgins and mayor Brown is allowing this vision to become a reality. This investment is also a demonstration of mayor Brown's commitment to revitalizing our neighborhood's business and commercial strips.  It is great to see mayor Brown acting on his revitalization commitment right here in the heart of south Buffalo." The city's contribution will also include a 30% savings for the new street lights since the city will directly purchase the light standards rather than going through a contractor for the purchase.  The city will go to bid on March 5th for an installation contract for the new light standards, which should then be in place and operational by May. "The Grow Buffalo Fund is another important program my administration has implemented to support residential neighborhoods and business districts like the Seneca St. Business District," said Brown. "In addition, our crime fighting programs, including the installation of security surveillance in areas such as this business district and the deployment of approximately 100 new police officers by July 2008, will support and complement the types of infrastructure improvements we are announcing today."