This combination of Locally Administered Federal Aid (LAFA) projects for the City of Buffalo stretches along Jefferson Avenue between Main and Swan Streets. While challenged with high vacancy rates and outdated infrastructure, Jefferson Avenue has a number of community resources, entrepreneurial strengths and stable businesses. Additionally, Canisius University, a 150-year-old institution and major employer with nearly 4,000 graduate and undergraduate students is located at the project’s northern boundary; a public elementary school and an amateur athletic sports pavilion are also in the project area. The goal of the streetscape improvements is to reestablish the corridor as a vibrant, walkable and safe corridor for residents and businesses.

The project includes traffic calming and streetscape enhancements to improve the safety and mobility for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Specific improvements include milling and overlay of the roadway; new sidewalk and ADA ramps; enhanced pedestrian elements including high-visibility crosswalks and pedestrian signal upgrades; traffic calming measures including curb bump-outs, raised crosswalks and additional street trees; new bicycle facilities; green infrastructure; new landscape and hardscape elements; and public art. Several alternative cross-sections were developed to accommodate pedestrians, public transit facilities, on-street parking, and bike lanes and/or a separated cycle track within the existing right-of-way. These concepts were evaluated with input from the public and stakeholders.

The City of Buffalo is seeking qualifications from artists that can produce artwork that:
1. Is culturally appropriate.
2. Represents the pride and heritage of the neighborhoods along Jefferson Avenue.

Artists should be advised that art representing or associated with the May 14 tragedy is being coordinated under a separate process by the Governor and Mayor’s 5/14 commission.

The City of Buffalo will supply a stipend to the two or three artists whose qualifications match the project to complete an art installation proposal as a submission for selection.

Please see commission document for full project information and application instruction.