Buffalo, NY-Mayor Anthony M. Masiello and the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation joined South District Councilmember Mary Martino, local developers and potential tenants in officially launching the "Suddenly Seneca" Campaign, designed to introduce the economic development opportunities of the Seneca Street and South Buffalo area. The campaign, conceived by Mayor Masiello and Councilmember Martino, began in earnest with a systematic inventory of the area's assets, demographics and current economic initiatives, including the South Buffalo Redevelopment Plan and the Union Ship Canal Project.

 

"Suddenly Seneca is part of a comprehensive, citywide effort toward revitalizing our neighborhood commercial strips," said Mayor Masiello. "We are pleased to work with Councilmember Martino and her staff on what we are convinced is the most participatory and progressive way to service the existing business community and generate new growth. This is just the first step as we travel throughout the city to actively promote neighborhood business development."

 

Today's meeting presented an overview of the area's assets including transportation facts, business climate, residential demographics and recreational facts. Developers and prospective tenants were invited to witness the potential of the Seneca Street and South Buffalo areas. Mayor Masiello and BERC will use "Suddenly Seneca" as a dynamic and proactive model for strengthening neighborhood business districts as well as a collaborative approach to neighborhood issues by working with the district councilmember.

 

"This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the potential for business opportunity in the South District," said Councilmember Martino. "Informing developers of the dynamics and needs of the South Buffalo area is a key objective of the 'Suddenly Seneca' campaign. Shopping trends have changed. In order to accommodate residents with busy schedules, there is a need for locally-based businesses; enterprises that provide the goods consumers require on a day-to-day basis. I am encouraged by the cooperation and support demonstrated by Mayor Masiello and the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation to address long-term growth and prosperity in South Buffalo."

 

Also included in today's meeting was Councilmember Martino's discussion of the strategic plan for the area as well as discussion of assistance provided by the city's real estate division. The BERC outlined available assistance for businesses as part of the Mayor's ongoing neighborhood and small business initiative. More neighborhood meetings and walks will be held throughout the city in the upcoming months.

 

 

###