Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The hustle and bustle is back at the Broadway Market in Buffalo and it's hoped that with some significant investments in improving the historic market in the coming years, it will become more of a year-round destination.
"The experience here at the Broadway Market is often imitated, but never duplicated," exclaimed Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown as he presided over an official blessing and opening of the Easter season at the market. "We are here to start the Easter season at the historic Broadway Market."
The market will be open every day from now until Easter, with extended hours on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The market will be closed on Easter and will reopen for Dyngus Day, the Monday after Easter.
Mayor Brown is hoping that continued investment in the market will continue to make the Broadway Market more than just a destination during the Easter season. "We will be investing millions of dollars in repairs into the Broadway Market," Brown said and noted that the state money was secured in partnership with efforts from Councilman Mitch Nowakowski.
"The best is yet to come," Nowakowski said as he referenced the invesmtnet in the market. The changes will take a few years to be compete, he said.
"You'll see over the next two to five years, vast improvements to the Broadway Market," said market manager Kathy Peterson. She noted that there will soon be models of the changes to be made at the market for the public to view during visits.
Initially, the investments will be noticeable in changes to the exterior of the market and will eventually move inside and additional vendor spaces will be created. Public meetings were held to allow public input on what types of changes should be made and Peterson said the top requests were for longer hours, open Sundays and international foods.
Having a public market in Buffalo is important, noted Mayor Brown.
"This is a place of great history in the City of Buffalo."
