Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The 5/14 Memorial Commission has been gathering public input for a memorial to honor those killed and injured in the Tops mass shooting last year.
"We had over 1,300 respondents to the survey," said Commission Chair Rev. Mark Blue on WBEN Tuesday. "The local community responded as well as from those who live outside of Buffalo."
Rev. Blue said there is a clear direction that the community wants the commission to go.
"The consensus from the survey is that they want some type of physical monument erected to help in memorializing and in healing."
In addition, he said respondents want the monument located in or around the area of the tragedy on Jefferson Avenue.
The next step in the process is to come up with a design concept of what it's going to look like.
"It's a long process, but we want to make sure, as I've said before, that we get this right. We only have one chance. And we will address all of the concerns from the community.
Rev. Blue said it's an emotional process. There are still raw emotions and trauma in the community and he said they have to look at how, strategically, they are going to erect a monument.
There is no time frame for the project, but it's Blue's hope that it can be done within one or two years.
Public meetings will be scheduled on design concepts.
$900 thousand dollars has already been committed for a memorial. But as WKBW TV reported on Monday, there is no cash on hand. Does that make it difficult to move forward?
"Well, we do have some seed money and we will be getting more. Once we have a design concept, we will be rolling out a capital campaign. We have individuals who have already pledged, but they want to see something. Once the concept is developed we believe all of the pledges will come right away. But it's hard to ask for money when they can't see what they are giving to."
The commission has not been offered any property for the memorial, as of this time.
"This isn't a one and done type of project," Blue emphasized. "It is one that will take time. Once it is erected, we will continue to make sure that it's maintained in perpetuity."
You can follow progress on the memorial on the commission's site: 514memorial.com.
