BUFFALO — Mayor Byron W. Brown and the city’s Department of Public Works announce the Allen Street Paving and Streetscape project has been completed early.
“I am proud of all the hard work my staff and the department of public works have done to finish this extensive project early,” said Mayor Brown. “The completion of this project represents a community connection, bringing together the Medical Campus with the city’s vibrant Allentown district.”
The $13.4 Million project began back in March of 2019 before the pandemic. The final stretch of the project, between Elmwood Avenue and Wadsworth Street, was originally slated to be finished by mid-October. In the coming weeks the city will add a few finishing touches including trees, additional lighting, and public art.
The full project improved the roads and sidewalks on Allen Street from Main Street to Wadsworth Street. The new streetscape work will improve walking traffic along Allen Street and will improve access to businesses and services.
In addition to repaving sidewalks and streets there was a complete reconstruction of the underground utility infrastructure. Workers replaced all the water and sewer lines and the street light wiring.
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Allentown is home to a unique intersection of restaurants, retail, education, business, and residential activity. This Allen Street investment, made possible with the support of federal funding and implemented under the leadership of Mayor Brown, will provide lasting benefits to the neighborhood.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said, “I am thankful that Mayor Byron Brown and the City’s Department of Public Works finished the Allen Street project ahead of schedule. Allen Street is a crucial commercial district for small businesses in our City. By making the street safer for pedestrians and motorists, I am hopeful we will see an increase in residents enjoying all that Allen has to offer.”
Assemblymember for New York State’s 149th Assembly District Jonathan D. Rivera said, “Since the Allen Street Complete Project began in 2019, Allentown businesses owners have patiently waited for neighborhood streets to fully reopen to traffic and commerce. I am thrilled to see that the wait is over for them. The recently completed redesign work along Allen Street will not only provide significant infrastructure improvements, but will now accommodate increased mobility, enhanced economic vitality, and improved safety. Allentown is one of our city’s most historic neighborhoods and one of its most dynamic business districts. Now that it’s fully reopened, Western New Yorkers can now enjoy a safer, more robust Allen Street for decades to come.”
Common Councilman for the Broadway District Mitch Nowakowski said, “I want to thank all the partners involved in this from the federal government down to our own department of public works for their hard work on this transformational project. This will jumpstart a new era on Allen Street for businesses to continue to thrive and people from all walks of life to enjoy.”
