Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As summertime draws near, the Chippewa Alliance and the City of Buffalo are teaming up to make the district safer for patrons and businesses alike, especially on the weekends.
Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon was joined on Thursday by local business owners along W Chippewa Street, as well as Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski and the Buffalo Police Department to announce a collaborative public safety initiative aimed at improving the safety and experience for those in Buffalo’s Chippewa Entertainment District.
Starting this weekend and continuing through Labor Day, the City of Buffalo, in partnership with the Buffalo Police Department and the Chippewa Alliance, will implement temporary street closures on Chippewa Street between Delaware Avenue and Franklin Street from 10 p.m.-to-4 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night.
The initiative is designed to reduce vehicular traffic during peak nightlife hours, creating a more pedestrian-friendly and secure environment.
"Public safety is a top priority of my administration, and as we head into the summer months, we expect a rise in both foot traffic and vehicle volume downtown,” said Mayor Scanlon during the press briefing outside SoHo Buffalo. "That’s why we’re taking proactive steps to make the area safer and more enjoyable for everyone who comes down to experience the heart of Buffalo’s nightlife. These changes, along with additional enforcement and cooperation from local businesses, will help ensure that everyone — patrons, business owners, drivers, and residents — can enjoy Chippewa in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment."
In addition to the street closures, the city is also addressing recent quality-of-life concerns in the area. Following a series of incidents, Mayor Scanlon shared that city officials and the Buffalo Police Department met with a local bar owner, whose establishment was the focus of recent public safety concerns. This included an incident this past weekend that saw a large fight break out with three people suffering non-life-threatening injuries when they were stabbed.
The owner at Vintage Room has voluntarily agreed to temporarily close the business while working with the city to develop and submit an enhanced security plan.
"As the representative of the Fillmore District, which includes Buffalo’s vibrant downtown corridor, I fully support this initiative to enhance safety on Chippewa," said Nowakowski on Thursday. "These weekend closures are a smart, proactive step to make our entertainment district more walkable, more welcoming, and ultimately more enjoyable for everyone."
"We’re grateful for the continued support and proactive efforts of Mayor Scanlon, his administration, and the Buffalo Police Department in prioritizing public safety within the entertainment district," added Chris Ring, president of the Chippewa Alliance. "The implementation of this street closure represents a meaningful advancement for Chippewa, enhancing access for emergency services, alleviating traffic congestion, and fostering a more secure and inviting atmosphere for patrons and employees alike. We’re excited to continue working with the Mayor’s office to further transform the Chippewa District into a vibrant, modern-day entertainment destination — on par with those found in leading cities across the country."