Buffalo Common Council

03/16/2023

Looks like the luck of the Irish is with the City of Buffalo today! City officials gathered outside City Hall this afternoon to raise the Flag of Ireland and kick off the St. Patrick's Day celebrations. 🍀

03/16/2023

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has approved New York's disaster declaration and has ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the Buffalo, Western New York and surrounding areas affected by the severe winter storm and snowstorm (Christmas Blizzard) from December 23 to December 28, 2022.

Read more from the release from The White House here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/03/15/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-new-york-disaster-declaration-3/

03/15/2023

Registration for the April 3rd-7th Spring break Lifeguard certification class is now open! City of Buffalo Lifeguards for the summer of 2023 earn $20 an hour. https://buffalopal.com/sports.../lifeguard-certification/

03/15/2023

Code Blue 32 tonight 3/15/23 in the City of Buffalo. 586 Genesee St Buffalo and Holy Cross 412 Niagara St Buffalo will be open 6pm - 7am tonight. 586 Genesee St will be OPEN for daytime warming tomorrow 3/16/23.

03/14/2023

Have your voice heard on important community development needs by attending the public hearing on the 2023 Annual Action Plan and Amendments to previous years’ Action Plans. Join the City of Buffalo Office of Strategic Planning on March 16th at 6:00PM at Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, located at 2393 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214. Can't make it in person? A virtual option is available - check out the attached public notice, event flyer, and site map for details.

Whether you are able to attend the hearing or not, all residents are encouraged to participate in the 2023 Annual Action Plan Survey at the following link: https://forms.office.com/g/miZ8t5h69y

03/14/2023

Today, we commemorate the pioneering accomplishments of Cornelia Bentley Sage. In 1910, she was appointed as the Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery here in Buffalo, becoming the first female director of a major art gallery in the United States. Sage's leadership and vision helped to establish the gallery as one of the leading cultural institutions in the country. Her unwavering commitment to promoting the arts and supporting artists, especially women, paved the way for future generations of women leaders in the art world.

03/14/2023

Legislation Committee - March 14, 2023

Legislation Committee - March 14, 2023

03/14/2023

The Buffalo Common Council Legislation Committee Meeting will be delayed until the Community Development Committee Meeting is out of session.

We will update the public when the Legislation Committee is being streamed.

03/14/2023

Community Development Committee - March 14, 2023

Community Development Committee - March 14, 2023

03/14/2023

Finance Committee - March 14, 2023

Finance Committee - March 14, 2023

03/14/2023

Civil Service Committee - March 14, 2023

Civil Service Committee - March 14, 2023

03/14/2023

It is Committee Day in Council Chambers. Here is the Buffalo Common Council Committee schedule for Tuesday, March 14, 2023!

Review agendas here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx

All meeting streamed on Council page: facebook.com/BFLOCC

03/13/2023

From now until June, the Buffalo Common Council is getting ready for budget season starting with a 2023 City of Buffalo Budget Preview that includes:

• Overview of the budget process
• Common Council's role in the process
• Brief timeline of the budget process

Be sure to follow the Buffalo Common Council on all social platforms and visit our webpage for updates and additional information on the budget process in the coming weeks and months. https://www.buffalony.gov/362/Common-Council

03/12/2023

Code Blue 32 tonight 3/12/23 in the City of Buffalo. 586 Genesee St Buffalo and Holy Cross 412 Niagara St Buffalo will be open 6pm - 7am tonight. 586 Genesee St will be OPEN for daytime warming tomorrow 3/13/23

03/11/2023

Don't forget to set your clocks forward tonight! Daylight Saving Time begins tomorrow. ⏰☀️

03/10/2023

The Buffalo Common Council will be having committee meetings next week on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Agendas are available online for the public to review: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx

03/10/2023

Weather Update from the City of Buffalo BUFFALERT. To sign for BUFFALERT, text your zip code to 38276.

03/10/2023

The Buffalo Common Council wants to take this moment to remember, and honor fallen firefighter Jason Arno for his courage, commitment, and contribution to the Buffalo Fire Department and our city. May we hold dear the memories we have of Jason and honor his legacy by providing ongoing support and compassion to those in our midst.

03/10/2023

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Buffalo & Erie County beginning at 9AM this morning.

3-5 inches of snow is forecasted. Motorists are asked to use caution. https://www.buffalony.gov/1573/City-of-Buffalo-Snow-Emergency-Removal-R

03/10/2023

The City of Buffalo has announced plans for the funeral of firefighter Jason Arno taking place tomorrow morning, which include several road closures that will be in effect during the funeral procession.

Although the funeral service is closed to the public, those who wish to, can still pay your respects by standing outside on the sidewalk to salute firefighter Arno as the procession makes its way to St. Joseph Cathedral. Please be aware of the road closures that will be in effect tomorrow morning from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. on certain streets.

03/09/2023

Exciting news for Buffalo State University students! The Buffalo Common Council has adopted a resolution to create a partnership with the university for an internship program. This program will provide students with valuable hands-on experience in government work and prepare them for future careers in the public sector.

Buffalo North District Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr. and Lovejoy District Council Member Bryan Bollman have worked with the Political Science, History, and Liberal Arts departments at Buffalo State University to develop the internship program.

The internship program will begin in Fall 2023. Applications and more information will be available at a later date. http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2732&MediaPosition=&ID=20944&CssClass=

03/09/2023

Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski is calling for a long-term agreement from the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) to permanently preserve the affordability of Marine Drive apartments.

The redevelopment of Marine Drive is expected to take up to a decade to complete fully and this resolution calls on the BMHA Board of Commissioners to develop and present a plan to formalize the guarantee of 616 affordable units through either a formal agreement with New York State or a Planned Unit Development passed by the Buffalo Common Council.

More information can be found here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2732&MediaPosition=&ID=21002&CssClass=

03/09/2023

As the City of Buffalo comes together to honor the life of fallen Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno at his wake today, we want to make sure residents and motorists are aware of a street closure that will be in effect.

Delaware Avenue between West Ferry Street and West Utica Street will be temporarily closed from 12:30pm-10pm to accommodate the expected heavy attendance.

Please plan your route accordingly and allow for extra travel time.

03/09/2023

Would the availability of on-site childcare at work influence your decision to apply for a job?

The Buffalo Common Council adopted a resolution requesting the Department of Public Works to examine the feasibility of providing childcare for City Hall employees through an on-site day care center.

The resolution, sponsored by South District Councilman Christopher P. Scanlon, acknowledges the benefits of on-site childcare for City Hall employees and its potential to serve as an enticement for a younger workforce to take civil service exams and apply for jobs within the City of Buffalo. Read more on this resolution here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2732&MediaPosition=&ID=21009&CssClass=

03/08/2023

Buffalo University District Council Member Rasheed N.C. Wyatt has sent a letter to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to take a comprehensive approach to the impending eviction crisis in Buffalo. Council Member Wyatt’s letter expresses concern over the rise in eviction warrants issued in the city, particularly in the 14215-zip code, and calls for funding to be allocated to support both tenants and landlords.

Council Member Wyatt’s letter emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to the eviction crisis, one that protects both tenants and landlords. You can read the full letter to Governor Hochul here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2732&MediaPosition=&ID=21010&CssClass=

03/08/2023

The Buffalo Common Council would like to take this moment to recognize and celebrate International Women's Day, honoring the contributions and achievements of women everywhere and committing to promoting gender equality in our community.

On this International Women's Day, we take pride in highlighting the remarkable achievements of Minnie Gillette. In 1977, she etched her name in history by becoming the first African American woman to be elected to the Erie County Legislature. Gillette's groundbreaking accomplishment paved the way for more diverse representation in politics, and her tireless efforts to promote justice and equality continue to inspire us today. We honor Minnie Gillette and her legacy, and we pledge to keep striving towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

03/07/2023

Remembering a true hero, fallen firefighter Jason Arno. The Buffalo Common Council and South District Councilman Christopher P. Scanlon paid tribute to his life and act of service before today's council meeting. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and members of the Buffalo Fire Department.

03/07/2023

The City of Buffalo Common Council has approved the findings and determination statement supporting eminent domain for properties located at 110 and 118 South Park Avenue in the Cobblestone Historic District at today's Council meeting.

The public hearing and review process revealed that the properties had been neglected by their owners, leading to their current dilapidated state. The City of Buffalo has decided to acquire these properties in the health and safety interests of the residents.

“The structures at 110-118 South Park are a blight on the Cobblestone Historic District that are impairing the area's potential for economic growth. Acquiring these properties is both the right thing to do, and necessary to preserve this district. There is a substantial public benefit to this procedure,” said Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski.

READ MORE INFORMATION HERE: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2732&MediaPosition=&ID=21020&CssClass=

03/07/2023

Council Meeting - March 7, 2023

Council Meeting - March 7, 2023

03/07/2023

The Buffalo Common Council will be holding its regularly scheduled Council Meeting today at 2PM in Council Chambers (Buffalo City Hall, 13th floor).

📑 Full Meeting Agenda: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2732

🖥: 2PM - Buffalo Common Council page: facebook.com/BFLOCC

03/06/2023

Caucus Meeting - February 6, 2023

Caucus Meeting - February 6, 2023

03/06/2023

Congratulations to the McKinley Macks boys' basketball team, the 2023 Section VI Class A1 Champions! Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork paid off, and you have made your school and community proud. Way to go Macks! 🏀🎉🏀🏆

03/05/2023

Code Blue 32 tonight 3/5/23 in the City of Buffalo. 586 Genesee St Buffalo and Holy Cross 412 Niagara St Buffalo will be open 6pm - 7am tonight. 586 Genesee St will be OPEN for daytime warming tomorrow 3/6/23.

03/04/2023

Code Blue 32 tonight 3/4/23 in the City of Buffalo. 586 Genesee St Buffalo and Holy Cross 412 Niagara St Buffalo will be open 6pm - 7am tonight. 586 Genesee St will be OPEN for daytime warming tomorrow 3/5/23

03/03/2023

BUFFALERT: Crews have begun pre-salting mains and secondary roads. Rain has started in the metro area and will turn to snow later tonight. Motorists asked to use caution.

03/03/2023

With snow and ice expected this evening, the City of Buffalo’s electronic messaging boards posted throughout the city are urging motorists and pedestrians to use caution.

To sign up for BUFFALERT text notifications from the city, text your zip code to 38276.

03/03/2023

BUFFALERT: Up to 4 inches of snow is forecasted for later today. Motorists might be impacted during the afternoon rush hour. Please use caution.

03/02/2023

The Buffalo Common Council meeting schedule for March 2023.

DISCLAIMER: Future special meetings aren't reflected in this calendar. Proper notice will be disseminated if such meeting(s) are to be announced. https://www.buffalony.gov/commoncouncil

03/02/2023

The Buffalo Common Council joins the City of Buffalo and the men and women of the Buffalo Fire Department in the mourning of fallen firefighter Jason Arno.

Arno was a member of The Buffalo Fire Department’s Engine Company 2 for three years. He was 37 years old. We ask you keep the family and friends of Jason Arno and the men and women of the Buffalo Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers.

03/02/2023

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is advising motorists that the eastbound Kensington Expressway (State Route 33) will be closed in the City of Buffalo from downtown to Delavan Street beginning at 11 a.m. today for a few hours to facilitate survey work associated with the bridge hit of the Dodge Street overpass, which occurred yesterday.

Click here for more information: https://www.dot.ny.gov/news/traveler-advisories/2023/2023-03-02