Senator Kennedy Announces Construction Resumes on South Park Avenue

Work restarted Monday, revitalization project expected to be completed in June

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, D-58th District, announced that work has resumed on South Park Avenue, as crews move toward the completion of the construction component of the South Park Avenue Revitalization Project.

With about 70 work days remaining in the 300-day project, it is expected that the work will be completed during the month of June – barring any unforeseen delays like poor weather. The project officially restarted Monday with workers beginning the process of streetlight installation.

“The South Park Avenue Revitalization Project has already provided a major boost to the neighborhood, and I cannot wait to see the completed project later this summer. I’m very proud of the collective efforts of the residents, business owners, community leaders and government officials, like Congressman Higgins and Mayor Brown, who have all worked together to push our revitalization plans forward,” Senator Kennedy said.

He added, “We are witnessing a transformation on South Park Avenue – improved quality of life, new job creation, enhanced roadway safety, increased private sector investment. An important business district is coming back to life because of a committed and collaborative effort to spark economic growth. As this redevelopment plan progresses, our central focus needs to remain on creating jobs in Western New York.”

“This project is significantly transforming the landscape of South Buffalo, creating a more attractive anchor for our neighborhoods and business-friendly gateway for our central business district,” said Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27), who supported Recovery Act and Federal Highway funds for the South Park project. “The progress we see today and the work continuing this spring was made possible through the tenacity of Senator Kennedy, who made this initiative a priority and fought for its success every step of the way.”

“The revitalization of South Park Avenue is making a significant impact on South Buffalo’s economy and on neighborhood morale. This project is an example of what can be accomplished when the community works together to achieve a collective goal,” said County Legislator Timothy J. Whalen. “We’re seeing progress in South Buffalo, but our efforts are just beginning. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues who helped make this project happen – especially Senator Kennedy, Congressman Higgins and Mayor Brown – to help grow our economy.”

As an Erie County legislator, Senator Kennedy spearheaded the South Park Avenue Revitalization Project. He brought stakeholders together and tracked down funding streams to spark the rehabilitation and economic recovery efforts on the Avenue.

South Park Avenue will be lined with new ornate streetlights that reflect the history of the neighborhood. There are over 100 lights that will be installed. The majority of them will be placed on South Park Avenue, while plans also indicate that 19 streetlights will be installed on Tifft Street. To ensure that the streets remain lit throughout the installation process, workers will install the new streetlights on one side of the street at a time.

Other than the new streetlights, work this summer will include the installation of new benches and garbage bins and pavement striping for dedicated bike lanes and parking areas. Project planners consider the work to be moving on schedule. Last summer, workers completed the milling, paving and curbing on South Park. They also installed colored crosswalks that are imprinted with a Celtic knot as a reference to the Irish heritage of the neighborhood. In addition, after Senator Kennedy encouraged ReTree WNY to make South Park Avenue their signature project last year, they planted 400 trees along the Avenue. 

If the community has any questions or concerns during the 2011 construction season, Project Supervisor Tom LoTempio can be contacted at the South Park Avenue Revitalization Project Field Office – which is located at 2163 South Park Avenue – or he can be reached at 821-0290.