BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is asking state lawmakers to help him increase security at City Hall.
Security is not extensive at the city building, on the first floor there is only one security desk visible in addition to the information desk.
Mayor Brown said there are other officers in the building but more security is needed.
He met with the Governor’s Office and members of the State Legislature on Tuesday to ask for a million dollars to increase security.
The Mayor wants to use the money to install cameras building-wide and put bollards on the outside of the building to prevent cars from driving up on the sidewalk. The money would also go towards hiring more personnel.
“We have to bring staff on, we have to install equipment so it’s expensive but it’s necessary,” said Mayor Brown. “We want City Hall to continue to be an open building but we also want it to be a secure building.”
Many employees at City Hall told News 4 it’s about time the Mayor made the request. Other people did not feel as strongly.
“I mean it can only help the situation but as far as metal detectors and everything like that, you can’t be too careful but I think that’s a little extravagant,” said Mark Green Jr., of Buffalo.
City Hall visitors told News 4 it could make the central office building intimidating.
“There’s never too much going on down here, just people taking care of business,” said Safiyyah Lewis, of Buffalo. “I don’t think there’s a need for it.”
Mayor Brown said the city has already received a $50,000 state grant to install metal detectors at the front door.
The action of the City of Buffalo follows a similar move by Erie County officials. In Decemeber, County Executive Mark Poloncarz increased security at the Rath Building.
