Mayor Brown Announces City Funds For Seneca Street Business District Infrastructure Improvements

Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced that the City of Buffalo will provide $300,000 to the continuing Seneca Street Business District infrastructure improvement project.

In 2007, Mayor 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 Street 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 Mayor 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 Street Business District is currently undergoing a $1.3 million infrastructure improvement effort that includes the City of Buffalo’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 applaud Mayor Brown, Assemblyman Schroeder and Legislator Kennedy, my partners in government, who have each played a role in reviving Seneca Street.”

"I would like to thank Mayor Brown for this major contribution to Seneca Street, and for playing such an active role in this critical project," said Assemblyman Schroeder.  "These unique street lights, based on historical designs from a century ago, are going to give Seneca Street a whole new, very distinctive look."

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues in government to announce this tremendous investment into the Seneca Street 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.”