Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A concerted push by several Buffalo area neighborhood groups has resulted in a Scajaquada Heritage District being formed in the city.
The district covers a wide swath of landmarks and destinations across Buffalo's West Side and Black Rock neighborhoods including Freedom Park to the south and Tow Path Park to the north along with such areas as Delaware Park, Forest Lawn Cemetery and Buffalo State University.
It contains a number of history-rich and cultural-rich landmarks, says Assemblyman Jon Rivera.
"It is, very much, about honoring Buffalo's past but also its future," said Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who along with State Sen. Sean Ryan, advanced state legislation to create the new heritage district.
The designation allows Buffalo to pay tribute to such key historical moments as its role in the War of 1812 and having Frederick Law Olmsted design Delaware Park. For instance, in the land behind Wegmans on Amherst Street sits six War of 1812 sites including shipyards.
Rivera thinks the designation may help spur new tourism and economic development opportunities by playing off of the district's historical past.
"You have to consider it a draw," Rivera said