BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- One of South Buffalo’s busiest roads could be getting a makeover. People living near Abbott Road told News 4 it needs work badly.
Abbott Road runs through the heart of the Irish Heritage District.
“We have some fantastic businesses that have been established, been there for a long time, and a lot of new businesses coming into the area,” said Pat Crowley, who lives nearby.
Along the growing strip, however, there are aging light posts and cracked sidewalks with grass growing through.
“We need new sidewalks, we need better lighting, some innovative ideas that will add to the merchants who are there,” said Crowley.
Crowley joined her neighbors in a packed room Monday night to see possibilities to transform the road. Renderings showed different levels of repair, including repaving, and adding new light posts, flower pots, benches or landscaping.
“You’ve got some aging infrastructure and some dangerous areas,” said Common Council Member Chris Scanlon. “Not everything is up to code and compliance so we need to tackle those things.”
Scanlon told News 4 they’ve been working on a feasibility study since 2012. The renderings showed examples for two intersections but the final project would fix up more than two miles of Abbott Road from Bailey Ave. to Dorrance Ave.
Scanlon said the cost will depend on which option they choose but it could range from $3 million to $9 million of local, state and federal funds.
“It’s a great way to bring greenery into the area, to the street,” said Tim Scherer. “It gives the businesses the chance to upgrade the front of their stores.”
Other people told News 4 they were “underwhelmed” by the plans.
Crowley said she likes the improvements but is worried about the plans for landscaping that would jut out from the sidewalk.
“We get a lot of snow unfortunately and plow service is great but they’ve got to keep moving and they probably forget these are there and they keep on going and they get ruined,” said Crowley.
But everyone seemed to agree this is long overdue.
“It’s time, it’s time,” said Scherer. “South Buffalo is really coming along.”
Before they left, neighbors were asked to fill out a form about what they liked and what they wanted to see added. Scanlon said they will use that input to adjust the plans as they work for a final solution.
You can give feedback by e-mailing Peggy Shea, who works in Scanlon’s office, at mshea@city-buffalo.com.
