Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) recently announced unanimous legislative approval for funds to help with economic development and neighborhood revitalization along the Elmwood Business corridor.

The $5,500 in County funds earmarked by Legislator Marinelli will be used toward marketing initiatives, publication of Forever Elmwood's newsletter and matching mini grants for facades.

"The continued success of the Elmwood Avenue area in Buffalo, including the Elmwood Village, has occurred with a lot of work and contributions from Forever Elmwood," Legislator Marinelli said. "I am pleased to join the residents and business owners of the Elmwood Avenue area in their efforts to enhance this neighborhood and business corridor, making this one of the premiere places in Buffalo and Western New York where entrepreneurs can successfully run a business and residents can proudly call home."

The marketing initiatives are targeted to attract more tourists and visitors to the fine shopping and dining experiences along Elmwood Avenue, the façade matching mini grants will help small business owners renovate their storefronts and over 2,000 copies of the newsletter will be distributed.

"I am pleased to work with my colleague in government, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt, on continued efforts to rejuvenate this vital crossroads between Downtown Buffalo, the medical campus, our Olmsted Parks, the gallery district and a SUNY campus," added Marinelli.

In addition, the grant will allow for continued beautification of the Elmwood District including hanging flower baskets, perennial plants and mulch for a public garden at Elmwood Avenue and Bidwell Parkway.

The goal of Forever Elmwood's project is to increase the commercial revitalization and enhance the stability of the neighborhoods surrounding this part of Elmwood Avenue through beautification.

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