Yesterday was an exciting day for the Seneca Street Business District. Though a lot is already happening with the district since it is undergoing a $1.3 million infrastructure improvement effort, Mayor Byron Brown announced that they City of Buffalo would be providing $300,000 for new streetlights.
Using money from the Grow Buffalo Fund that Mayor Brown created in 2007, the contribution will cover the purchase and installation of 80 new streetlights. This change will help the overall appearance of the district which is already being worked on through the road being repaved, sidewalks being improved, upgrading the crosswalks, and new landscaping.
The design of the lights is based on historical designs from over a century ago and will give the street a whole new feel. The city will be purchasing the lights directly instead of through a contractor, saving 30% on the purchase. On March 5 the city will go to bid for the installation contract and the new lights should be in place and operational by May 2008.
“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 Grow Buffalo Fund is another important program my Administration has implemented to support residential neighborhoods and business districts like the Seneca Street Business District,” said Mayor Brown at the press conference.