January 30, 2009

SOUTH PARK AVENUE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE CONTINUES TO MAKE PROGRESS

CROSSWALK DESIGN AND BENCHES CHOSEN AT MOST RECENT MEETING

With construction of the $2.3 million South Park Avenue project only months away, Legislator Tim Kennedy and the South Park Avenue Revitalization Committee have kicked things into overdrive. At the most recent meeting, members of the community unanimously chose both a crosswalk design and new benches for South Park Avenue.

While making the decision regarding the crosswalks, those in attendance were mostly concerned with longevity and appearance. The City of Buffalo's Department of Public Works (DPW) presented the committee with six different design options, ranging from standard markings to imprinted pavement. Members of the committee had a chance to address the engineers with their questions and concerns regarding each individual crosswalk design before ultimately deciding to go with a crosswalk design featuring brick stamped concrete and a decorative boarder.

"The enhanced crosswalk will benefit South Park's overall look and remind drivers to slow down," said Legislator Tim Kennedy. Studies have shown that enhanced crosswalks like the ones the committee chose help to slow traffic down. This enhanced safety feature provided by the crosswalks will compliment the brighter lights found at the major intersections and help residents feel safer while walking along South Park Avenue.

The next task at hand dealt with benches for the Avenue. Again, after the committee was presented with numerous options, they chose Scarborough metal benches.

"The benches have a sleek yet traditional look which should compliment South Park Avenue nicely," stated Kennedy. "There will be a dividing rail in the middle of the bench dissuading people from laying on them or skate boarding across them, and all of the benches will be bolted into the sidewalk ensuring that they remain where they are initially placed."

"Overall, I could not be happier with the work of the committee," said Kennedy. "We have a very aggressive schedule and each member has come prepared week in and week out. I am confident that the choices made by the committee will help reenergize South Park Avenue into a more vibrant commercial strip."

The South Park Avenue Revitalization Committee is set to meet again in February at Sorrento's Headquarters on South Park Avenue. If you have any questions pertaining to the committee or the project, please contact Legislator Tim Kennedy's office at 824-6180.

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