Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Three years after a tragedy that shook Buffalo to its core, the 5-14 Memorial Foundation has named Buffalo native Chad Houston as its Executive Director to oversee the construction and operation of the permanent memorial.
Houston is currently serving as Director of Telecommunications for the city of Buffalo.
Under then-Mayor Byron Brown, Houston said he was jolted into action on May 14, 2022 when ten people were gunned down at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue.
"I felt the pain of it and I also saw how our community came together afterward. This is very personal to me. I live in the 14208 zip code and was close to Tops when the incident happened. I raise my children in this community. The tragic event has stuck with all of us, but I feel like I can do something about it for the healing of the community," he explained.
The site of the memorial is at the corner of Jefferson and Best Street. The design plans have already been chosen. Houston said the next step will be architectural drawings.
"Community engagement is going to be a huge part of it. We also need to work with the families to make sure that we get this right."
The full-time, two-year post pays $130,000 annually.