At the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center, more than 1,400 people listened as Mayor Byron Brown delivered his 11th 'State of the City' address on Friday. According to the mayor, the state of the city is strong.
Mayor Brown spoke for almost an hour, running down the list of accomplishments since he started the job in 2006.
Mayor Brown says crime in the city is down by 35% in recent years, and to keep it that way he will set up two new police sub-stations. One will be located at the Broadway Market and one at Canalside.
The mayor also stated that there would be no new property tax hikes for homes or businesses, saying the city's credit rating is it's highest in history and there is currently more than six billion dollars of new economic activity and building going on, with more new businesses and more new jobs.
The mayor's key announcement's included:
• Not raising residential and commercial property tax rates for the 12th straight year.
• Economic development projects including the start of the construction process next month for the Northland Corridor project and another major initiative, the Jefferson Avenue Reconstruction project.
• A plan to renovate over 60 City-owned residential properties.
• The addition of two new Buffalo police sub-stations.
• A continued focus on job training, including the announcement of a new Coding School.
• The City will commit an additional $1 million to Say Yes Buffalo and Buffalo Public Schools.
