​​This week's summary will focus on two Common Council committee meetings: the Caucus Meeting and the Regular Meeting. A Caucus Meeting is where members from a specific political party, in Buffalo's case, the democratic party, meet, but official voting on issues does not occur. The Regular Meeting is the Common Council's primary meeting, where they make official decisions on issues.

During the Caucus Meeting, Andy Rabb, Deputy Commissioner for Parks and Recreation, announced two life ring stations' planned installation at Broderick Park. Rabb said these would increase safety along the Niagara River. Additionally, there are plans to remove the railing and install new security fencing with crossbars to run the entire length of the Niagara riverside. Rabb notes there are delays and increased costs in delivering metal these days but hopes to get the project completed by June 2022.  

The Parks and Recreation Deputy Commissioner also discussed speed humps at various parks around the city. Rabb said that humps are going onto the streets leading into Roosevelt Park. At Front Park, he is looking into putting speed humps in the parking lot where residents are experimenting with their motorcycles. Rabb also shared the department received a private donation, requesting that a park entryway be named after Edith Wilson. 

A representative from the City of Buffalo's Division of Real Estate discussed the purchase of 3241 Bailey Avenue. Councilmember Wyatt explained that the property owner next door is frustrated because he thought he owned 3241 Bailey. When he learned that he didn't, he tried to purchase it online, only to find that someone else had already submitted a purchase application. The Division of Real Estate representative explained that the department received the application to purchase 3241 Bailey a long time ago. She affirmed Wyatt's comment that the purchase is a "done deal."

Councilmember Wyatt discussed the high grass and the need for cleanings at some residential lots in the University District. The Division of Real Estate representative said that the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) groups are doing "blitzes and clean sweeps." Her recommendation is for Councilmember Wyatt to contact her office with the addresses of individual lots that need attention.  

Councilmember Rivera led a fact-finding discussion about Airbnbs using a "special use" application from a renter at 45 Rhode Island Street. To become an Airbnb host in the City of Buffalo, you must be a property owner. It turns out this renter confused the concept of subletting and using his apartment as an Airbnb. They are different transactions and have different rules.  

The internet advertises becoming an Airbnb host as an easy way to make money, but Common Council members unanimously agree that property owners must approve of it. The Department of Permits and Inspection Services (DPIS) accidentally let a renter submit an application and pay a fee for special use of 45 Rhode Island. Though the department caught the error, it must refund the fee. In the future, DPIS will require applicants of special-use permits to document property ownership or present a letter from the owner that proves the applicant is an official agent of the owner.

During the Regular Meeting—the same month as Breast Cancer Awareness Month—Councilmember Wyatt recognized the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, an organization dedicated to ending breast cancer and the deaths it causes, for its support and advocacy for patients and survivors of breast cancer. Rob Jones, Executive Director of Breast Cancer Network of WNY, noted Erie County has approximately 900 new breast cancer cases each year.

The Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the nomination of Jim Parker for the Citizens Congressional Medal of Honor. Parker is an African-American hero whose life is significant in Buffalo history. He risked his life in 1901 when he took down the man who shot President McKinley. Reverend Cobb, a teacher at McKinley High School, donated his artistic rendering of Parker to the school for installation across from the portrait of President McKinley that Cobb also created. Councilmember Golombek presented Cobb with a certificate of appreciation for his work.  

Councilmembers Wyatt, Pridgen, Scanlon, Bollman, Feroleto, and Rivera filed a resolution calling for the city, county, and state representatives of the City of Buffalo to consider the feasibility of a downtown Buffalo Bills stadium seriously. The resolution asks the National Football League and Governor Kathy Hochul to consider the many benefits of a downtown Buffalo Bills stadium.

Council President Pridgen closed the meeting by paying his respects to the memory of Lieutenant Craig Lehner for his dedicated and brave service to the City of Buffalo. Lieutenant Lehner died in the line of duty in 2017 after he went missing during a diving exercise in the Niagara River.

Need more than just a summary? Contact us at info@ppgbuffalo.org, or find full meeting information and schedules here: http://buffalony.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx