Latest news with #Buffalonians
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a day ago
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In case you missed it: Big takeaways from News 4's Democratic mayoral debate
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo will decide its next mayor this November and the Democratic primary is coming up fast. Five candidates took to the stage Tuesday night with WIVB News 4 and D'Youville University to debate topics on the minds of Buffalonians. Here's what Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, State Senator Sean Ryan, Councilman Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, former Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, and Buffalo native Anthony Tyson-Thompson had to say. The city budget was approved late last month, which includes a hotel bed tax and the sale of the city's parking ramps in order to address a $70 million structural deficit. Scanlon described the budget as 'an opportunity,' while Wyatt, one of two councilmembers who voted no to pass it, said leadership in the city continues to make the same mistakes that fall back on taxpayers. Ryan claimed that Scanlon has received money from 'MAGA' Carl Paladino, but Scanlon refuted the claims. Selling the city's parking ramps would only solve this year's problems, Ryan speculated. Parkways have been proposed for both the Kensington and the I-198 for large amounts of federal funding. Both projects are on pause. WIVB News 4's coverage on the Kensington Expressway In regards to making progress or getting the money back, Scanlon said a full environmental study must be done. Whitfield claimed he was the only one on the stage in support of the restoration of Humboldt Parkway. Multiple restaurants downtown have closed in the past year. In order to keep businesses in and keep people visiting the city, Scanlon said his administration has already enacted a small business grant program. Whitfield lamented the new Bills stadium being built outside of downtown and Wyatt said, 'I would like to point my finger at the Pegulas, but I can't,' instead blaming the city's leadership. Chief of Narcotics D.J. Granville is accused of hitting six vehicles and causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to seven last year. An investigation remains pending. When asked about Granville donating to Scanlon's campaign, the acting mayor said they were childhood friends and that Granville has donated to his campaign in the past. *** Viewers submitted various questions to WIVB News 4. Here are answers given by candidates during our post-debate town hall. Safety has been a recent concern within Buffalo Public Schools. In response, Scanlon said $55 million has gone to the schools to improve safety as a partnership prevails. 'If we can't keep our kids safe, we can't educate them,' he said. Ryan cited a 'mental health crisis' and said programs must be available for basic needs, such as clothing and counseling, to be met. Buffalo Public Schools adopts resolution to expand scope of investigation into allegations Whitfield said Buffalo needs to do a better job of educating and supporting its children, and that the mayor should be 'intimately involved' in that process. 'If they know that they're supported, right now they don't know that,' he said. 'We see them as the problem, but we're the problem. We're the problem because we have not provided a safe environment for them.' Illegal ATVs swarm the city every year during the warmer months. Riverside resident Terry asked how the candidates will take back the streets and hold drivers accountable. Investigation launched after incident involving Buffalo police vehicle, ATV Scanlon said increasing fines and cameras is a possibility. Both Ryan and Wyatt said laws are necessary to block ATVs from being sold in the city. 'The City of Buffalo operates a kill animal shelter. It is barbaric, it is behind the times and we can do better,' Ryan said when asked about improving the Buffalo Animal Shelter. He claimed the city never applied for state money for the shelter. Scanlon said he could not speak to potential money from the state, but that a new location has been identified and will be announced later this week. When asked about bringing down the cost of rent and affordable housing, Scanlon said the city is building 110 homes, with the vast majority being in the East Side. Tyson-Thompson said initiatives for residents and buildings up to code are a necessity. Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scanlon says new location for Buffalo Animal Shelter to be announced soon
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon joined WIVB News 4 on Thursday to discuss the Buffalo Animal Shelter, his recently announced repaving plan, and other topics on the minds of Buffalonians. A new location for the Buffalo Animal Shelter has been decided and will be announced in the next couple of weeks, Scanlon said. A public-private partnership is currently being finalized. On Wednesday, the acting mayor announced a $17 million repaving plan of over 190 streets. When asked about the historic amount, Scanlon said large-scale projects will be done on Jefferson Avenue, Bailey Avenue, and Main Street, as well as spot repairs throughout the year. He also said they have repaired nearly 2,500 potholes since March. Scanlon said he is working to bring small businesses downtown, as well as more residents and that he wants to convert office space into residential space. View the entirety of this month's Ask the Mayor in the video player above. Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vision for Ralph Wilson Park begins to take shape
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The transformation of LaSalle Park into the new Ralph Wilson Park is well underway. On Tuesday, community members received an update on construction progress as we inch closer to the first sections of the park opening. 'We're really committed to keeping the community very well informed about what is going on at Ralph Wilson Park,' said Katie Campos, executive director for the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy. 'The community designed this park. We're building this together.' Construction on phase one of the project began roughly two years ago and is nearly complete. This includes the construction of several soccer and baseball fields that are equipped with massive lighting, utility work, shoreline reinforcement, and a pedestrian bridge connecting the 4th Street side. 'Unlike a building, a park's worst day is the first day it opens,' said Campos. 'We're seeding the lawn so it's going to take some time to take root and grow.' Due to this, the southern area of the park will be open to the public in the summer of 2026. Now, officials are looking ahead to what's next. Andy Rabb, deputy commissioner for parks and recreation for the City of Buffalo spoke with residents about what they can expect. Phase two includes constructing several bike and walking paths with new views for residents, a kayak launch, a dog park, bathroom facilities, a playground for all ages, and much more. Phase two construction is set to begin in the fall of 2026 and wrap up by the summer of 2027. Campos said the $110 million transformation will draw both locals and tourists into downtown. 'We anticipate about a million annual visitors,' said Campos. 'That means increased business, many more jobs, increased housing values. It's an economic engine for the City of Buffalo.' Residents left the meeting feeling optimistic. Many of them said their voices are being heard as the vision for the park continues to take shape. 'That means everything,' said Buffalo resident Bill Minarchi. 'The fact that they're listening to the community, listening to us, the Buffalonians … they're giving us what the people want and that's fantastic.' The park will be hosting an event on July 16, also known as 716 Day, where residents can get a sneak peek of the progress done. Information will be posted here. Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
More Buffalonians to be protected from housing discrimination with new legislation
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Fair Housing law expansions were passed earlier this month to guarantee protection for more Buffalonians with minority status, according to a spokesperson with the Buffalo Common Council. The laws now cover those with disabilities, those apart of the LGBTQ+ community, those from other countries, and those who require housing vouchers or public assistance. Race, religion, and national identity are already protected by the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The legislation was passed on April 1, the first day of National Fair Housing Month. 'This critical legislation will give the City of Buffalo's Fair Housing law teeth to ensure that everyone in Buffalo is treated equally when purchasing or renting a home,' said Fair Housing Officer Harold Cardwell, Jr. 'The ability to find safe and sustainable housing of your choice is an inalienable human right.' Realtors and landlords in the city will be required to make 'reasonable' accommodations for those with disabilities, including equal housing language and symbols. In addition, exclusions will be removed for those who own fewer than 20 housing units and fines will be increased for first-time and repeat violations. More time will be given to resolve accusations. 'The ugly legacy of housing discrimination can be seen in cities across the nation, and we see its toxic aftermath in the disparities that impact black communities and low-income households here in the City of Buffalo,' said Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope. 'With this legislation, we will help ensure that no Buffalonian is denied fair access to housing simply for being who they are.' Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scanlon: BURA denies loan forgiveness for Braymiller Market
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced Thursday night that the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency voted to deny a request for loan forgiveness from the former Braymiller Market. After opening in 2021, the Braymiller Market received $561,000 in COVID-19 relief funds in 2023. As part of the loan, the market was required to meet a certain employment threshold and stay open for two years after being granted the money — but it closed in December 2024. Last month, the store's owner, Stuart Green, asked the agency for loan forgiveness — which was rejected by BURA. 'As a result of mounting financial liabilities on Braymiller Market, today the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency's (BURA) Loan Committee voted to deny a pending request for loan forgiveness and will issue a letter of default, contingent on the sale of 225 Ellicott St.,' Scanlon said in a statement. 'With the recent decision of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) to revoke Braymiller Market's PILOT agreement, the outstanding tax implications and financial strain on the property owner will very likely result in a sale or foreclosure.' 'Since BURA holds the third position for repayment of pending financial claims, the property must sell for more than $6.56 million for any owed debts to be paid. That is very unlikely due to the original high purchase price and current market conditions.' Last month, Our City Action Buffalo (OCAB) called on the city to hold Braymiller accountable for the full amount of the loan. 'We are encouraged that the loan committee found that Braymiller Market defaulted on its loan from the city by closing one year into its two-year agreement,' OCAB said in a statement Thursday night. 'We trust that the board will heed the committee's finding and authorize collection of the loan so that these $561,000 can be repurposed to improve food access for Buffalonians in need.' Located on Ellicott Street, the project was a focal point of former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's plans for downtown. Scanlon has cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the leading cause for its closure. *** Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
