Don't tell influential East Side leaders like Terry Alford or Crystal Peoples-Stokes that the just-announced $16 million Michigan Avenue streetscape project is about new sidewalks, benches and landscaping.
It is about so much more.
"To me, it is about uplifting Black history in Buffalo," said Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes, state assembly majority leader.
Set for a stretch of Michigan Avenue running from Ohio Street to North Street and centering on the African American Heritage Corridor, the project is about providing a psychological lift and a push for businesses to follow with their own investment dollars.
"Michigan Avenue is more than just a street," said Mayor Chris Scanlon. "We are talking about the heart of Buffalo's Black history and culture."
Taken into context with upgrades to the Colored Musicians Club, renovations to the Michigan Street Baptist Church and WUFO's new studios, the Michigan Street project could be that public sector-backed spark that will push for more private sector investments to follow.
"Whatever metric you want to use, that does happen," Scanlon said.
The project is the third East Side streetscape project Scanlon has gotten underway since March with others announced for Bailey and Jefferson avenues.
"This is the beginning (on Michigan Avenue) of something very, very special," said Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo). "This project is being driven by the community."
The centerpiece of the project will be work around the African American Heritage Corridor running William Street north towards Broadway.
"I view it as community game changer," said Terry Alford, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor executive director. "It will bring together our past, present and future."
Scanlon the Michigan Avenue work is in design and construction will start in 2027. The project is being jointly funded through federal, state and city dollars.