(Buffalo, NY – January 5, 2007) Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy announced that the South Park Avenue Revitalization effort would soon receive a $167,000 boost to aid avenue initiatives. The money comes from the efforts of NYS Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, who was responsible for securing $100,000 from the State, and the approval of the NYS Quality Communities Grant Program that revitalization partners and Legislator Kennedy applied for to provide over $67,000 for various administrative and grant support costs.

"We are very enthusiastic about the improvements this money will bring to South Park Avenue," Kennedy said, "Finally the South Park Renaissance revitalization committee can put real dollars to real projects on the business strip."

"I would like to thank NYS Assemblyman Mark Schroeder for his support of the South Park Avenue initiative, and for his diligent efforts in securing the $100,000 for this cause. I would also like to congratulate Shyrl Duderwick, (Executive Director, South Buffalo Neighborhood Housing Services) and Laura Kelly, (Executive Director, Old First Ward Community Center) for their hard-work in securing this grant."

The South Park revitalization committee named "South Park Renaissance" will be meeting in the near future to discuss what projects to make use of the money secured by Schroeder. Proposed projects include flower planters, a community garden, benches, decorative signage, banners, trash cans, Avenue decorations and others.

The money secured from the NYS Quality Communities Grant Program will be allocated toward funding an urban development study/plan and administrative support for grant development and project implementation efforts, specifically on South Park Avenue.

Kennedy credits the collaborative efforts of all of the Avenue's partners for the progress South Park Avenue Revitalization has made thus far, including the most recent dedication of Reading Street and surrounding South Park business district as South Buffalo's Little Italy. He went on to say that the development of an urban study would be instrumental in securing future grants and funds for South Park Avenue.

"We will continue to work towards the Revitalization of South Park Avenue and its' business district," Kennedy said, "As we move forward in discussions with the City, we will continue to focus on infrastructure improvements, securing the business façade improvement program and many other initiatives. These are all very exciting initiatives that are not far from coming to fruition. I am confident with the current collaboration of all levels of government, community and business leaders alike, that we will see our goals come to completion."

For more information or to become involved in the revitalization efforts, contact Legislator Kennedy's office at 824-6180.

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