Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Safety emerged as the overriding issue that is prompting the City of Buffalo to make some cosmetic and directional changes that center on Niagara Square.
The changes, fueled by a survey Mayor Sean Ryan's staff ran last month, all have safety in mind, Ryan said.
"Niagara Square is the place to be, but we needed to make it better," Ryan said.
Of the 562 people who responded to the survey, 71% felt that Niagara Square was unsafe for pedestrians while 75% felt it was unsafe for bicyclists and 42% felt it was unsafe for drivers.
"For pedestrians trying to cross, it was like watching a game of 'Frogger'," Ryan said.
The changes included making just one, single travel lane that circles the square; shortening pedestrian crossings; adding more seats, tables and benches within the square; restoring the fountain in McKinley Monument and eliminating all parking - legal and otherwise - around the square - particularly in front of Buffalo City Hall.
The parking ban extends to all vehicles including city-owned vehicles, said Justin Booth, Buffalo parking commissioner.
"Safety is incredibly important," Booth said.
The city is making changes to downtown's Niagara Square
The city is making changes to downtown's Niagara Square
