BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Neighbors who live near Shoshone Park attended a stakeholder's input meeting on the Master Plan for the park and voiced concerns about safety in the park.
The meeting was focused on:
- Reviewing the proposed Phase 1 improvements to the park and the anticipated cost.
- Reviewing the overall Master Plan construction estimate.
- Discussing the anticipated Phase 1 schedule.
But there was also a discussion about neighbor's safety concerns after an alleged sexual assault occurred in the park recently.
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Those who attended the meeting say it’s vital to come to these kinds of community gatherings.
“Because it almost holds city officials accountable,” says Gabriella Speth, who lives near Shoshone Park. "One thing I'd like to see around the park is more involvement with city officials. The park right now is very dark, gloom... I know there were recent attacks over there.”
Speth says she wants to see some action from her councilman on safety and security.
“I have a five-year-old son and we go to that park and we walk around the area frequently,” she says. “I am not confident with city officials right now until we see something happen and crimes followed up with."
Councilman Rasheed Wyatt of the University District says he wants to make park visitors feel more comfortable and it’s happening by building a facility for kids and others to use.
“We should always be weary because there are predators out there and we should always be on guard,” he says. “So at the end of the day this facility and Shoshone Park — we want it to be safe at all times. So we hope to have no more incidents like the one that just happened a couple weeks ago.”
Speth says she’s excited about the master plan but still wants her councilman to do more.
“I'm excited to see what is going to come forth with everything,” she says. “I don’t think it will lessen anything. I think the major thing in lessening crime again is accountability.”
Others say they’re looking forward to what their councilman is envisioning.
“We enjoy living in the area, and we just want to continue to see it grow,” says Velvo Johnson III.
The hope is that Shoshone Park will help Buffalo's University District prosper.
“But definitely if we’re going to put a facility here, we want to make certain that it’s safe for anyone at any point in time,” Councilman Wyatt says.
Wyatt says he hopes this project will be completed by next spring.
