BUFFALO – Congressman Brian Higgins, County Legislator Tim Kennedy, and Commissioner of Public Works Steve Stepniak gathered today to announce the kickoff of the $2.3 million South Park Avenue Revitalization Project, which will include street resurfacing, new street lighting, sidewalk improvements and ADA compliant ramp cutouts, enhanced crosswalks, and 400 new trees to line the Avenue.

“I am proud that this project is today underway,” stated Legislator Kennedy, who spearheaded the $2.3 million project. “While some thought that this was nearly impossible, after a lot of time and hard work, the project today becomes a reality. When I came into office five years ago, I promised to make the revitalization of South Park Avenue a top priority,” Legislator Kennedy said. “I want to thank my partners in government, partners like Congressman Higgins, for consistently delivering for Western New York.”

This phase of the South Park Avenue Project will focus on a complete transformation of South Park from Bailey Avenue to Dorrance, with additional improvements including dedicated bike lanes, street signal improvements, new benches and trash receptacles, and a new pedestrian traffic signal in front of Sorrento Lactalis, a busy stretch of the Avenue which employees cross daily. Phase 1 will begin at Bailey Avenue and continue to Bloomfield, and phase 2 will reach from Bloomfield to Dorrance. The project will culminate with tree planting in coordination with Re-Tree Western New York this fall.

“With this project along South Park and others across Western New York federal Recovery Act dollars are helping to pave the way for business growth and opportunity,” said Congressman Higgins.  “Through the leadership of Legislator Tim Kennedy, who brought the community to the table during the design phase of this project, we begin construction on a consumer and commuter friendly business district that complements the neighborhood, creates new excitement for existing shops and opens up limitless potential for new development and job growth into the future.”

“I want to thank the steering committee of hardworking Western New Yorkers who worked tirelessly and made important design decisions for this project,” said Kennedy.  “This project has been embraced by the community because members of the community have played an integral role from day one.”

The South Park Revitalization Initiative began with a community survey of this commercial strip in May 2008 and is now entering the final phases of construction. From the beginning, the focus of this Revitalization Initiative has been not only to invigorate a vital commercial strip but also to actively involve the community stakeholders and businesses to ensure a grassroots level of support and to incorporate the community’s wants and needs in the project.

The project, when complete, will make a stunning visual impact, imbuing South Park Avenue not just with a much needed facelift but also signature design aspects that will exemplify the beauty of this historic commercial strip. The 400 trees donated by Re-Tree Western New York will complement the new streetlights with flag holders and teardrop lights. The designated bike lanes will provide much needed protection to a high risk area, and the new benches and stamped concrete crosswalks will further enhance this revitalization project. 

DiDonato Associates is the consultant for design and construction inspection and Destro Brothers is the contractor on this project. Additionally, John Bidell, Senior Engineer for the Department of Public Works, is overseeing the project. A new field office has been opened at 2163 South Park Avenue, manned by Tom LoTempio, Mark Burke, and Fred Brown. These supervisors will be on hand daily to answer questions from community members and stakeholders, and can be reached at (716) 821-0290.