+ Where is Region Central?

Region Central is the area centrally located within the Buffalo-Niagara Region that includes Delaware Park, Buffalo State College, Forest Lawn Cemetery, and numerous cultural institutions. Buffalo neighborhoods in this area include Black Rock, Delavan Grider, Elmwood Bidwell, Fillmore-Leroy, Grant-Amherst, Hamlin Park, Masten Park, Parkside, and Upper West Side.

Home to 84,000 people, or about a third of Buffalo’s residents, Region Central is a key economic driver for Buffalo Niagara, serving as a major education hub, a growing area of commerce, and a tourist destination. With Scajaquada Creek running through its center, Region Central links to important waterways across the region and the Great Lakes watershed.

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+ A New Starting Point

Over the past two decades, efforts to address transportation and access needs in Region Central have focused narrowly on the Scajaquada Expressway (Route 198). The Region Central effort is a new starting point to holistically understand how we strengthen all of the community assets in the heart of Buffalo Niagara to create a safe, healthy, and equitable region for all.

+ Who's involved?

The Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC), the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Erie and Niagara Counties in New York, has taken the lead for the Region Central effort. A consultant team led by Stantec will assess economic, land use, and mobility data, engage the public, and assemble future mobility scenarios for the region.

The Region Central effort continues the work of One Region Forward, an initiative to promote more sustainable forms of development in Erie and Niagara counties in land use, transportation, housing, energy and climate, access to food, and more. Read more about One Region Forward.

+ What's Next?

GBNRTC and its team of consultants have begun the initial steps of a 12-month effort that includes:

• Creating an inventory of current land uses (residential, business, institutions) and natural features (waterways, open spaces and parks).

• Learning about upcoming plans for new buildings, development and proposed changes to natural features.

• Understanding who lives, travels and works in the area and how people use the area now.

• Recognizing the historical perspectives of area residents and community-based efforts to date.

• Identifying community stakeholders to involve in the process.

Opportunities for the public to give input during the process will include public meetings, a community survey, and neighborhood events and workshops. Leave a comment for the project team.