Mayor Byron W. Brown Announces Important Updates To Buffalo’s Response To COVID-19 December 28 2020

Press release from the City of Buffalo:

December 28 2020

Mayor Byron W. Brown continues to lead the local effort to raise awareness about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccination. Today, Mayor Brown announced that he will participate in the “Take the COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall Radio Show” on Tuesday, January 5th. From 6pm to 7pm, residents can listen to WUFO 1080 AM/Power 96.5 FM or call in with questions about the virus and vaccine.

Other guests joining Mayor Brown include NAACP President Pastor Mark Blue, Senator Tim Kennedy and many local health care professionals. The informational forum is sponsored by the NAACP, WUFO 1080AM and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

Mayor Brown stated, “These vaccinations are turning the tide in our long battle against the COVID-19 global health pandemic. It will work better if everyone participates in receiving vaccinations. This town hall is an opportunity to get answers to any questions you might have about the vaccine. In the meantime, let’s continue to be patient and follow the CDC guidelines to protect the public health and safety of our community.” At the beginning of December, Mayor Brown announced that he joined President-Elect Biden and Former Presidents Obama and Clinton in vowing to take the vaccine live on TV and social media to help reassure residents of the vaccine’s safety. Mayor Brown also released a Public Service Announcement emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination doses. To view the PSA, visit vimeo.com/492627729/b480accdaa.

Parking reminders for tonight

The 9am-4pm Alternate Street Parking restrictions are in effect to help assist crews in the effort to clear streets in the wake of the record snowfall in the City over the holiday weekend. Mayor Brown urges residents who live in these zones to sign up for BuffAlert Parking Updates, the new tool that notifes residents of the implementation of the restriction ahead of snow events. Sign up by texting JOIN PARKINGUPDATES to 30890. Once enrolled, participating residents will receive a text message or phone call 24 hours before the 9am-4pm restrictions take effect. Also, there is a regular 6 pm parking switchover tonight, from 6 pm Monday to 6 pm Thursday for the streets with those signs. The alternate side parking on these streets is critical for emergency vehicle access and snow removal.

Mayor Brown extends donation deadline for the Buffalo Business Blitz

The Buffalo Business Blitz initiative has raised nearly $94,000 since it launched on December 1st.

The partnership with Buffalo Bills Cornerback Josh Norman provides assistance to small businesses in Buffalo during the COVID-19 emergency. The program funds grants of up to $2,500 each to participating impacted businesses. The donation deadline is Thursday, December 31st, 2020. To donate, visit www.starz24.org.

Grievance period deadline approaches

Grievance Period for the City of Buffalo ends on Thursday, December 31st. All real property grievances must be received by the Assessment and Taxation Department office by 4:30pm on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Grievances can be mailed or dropped off at the drop box located in the Elmwood Avenue City Hall entrance. For more information, visit www.buffalony.gov.

The Assessment & Taxation Department continues to be closed to the public. Anyone needing services can call the department at 851-5733. Video conferencing is available upon request.

For assessment inquiries, call 851-5733 and select option 1 or email COBAssessor@city-buffalo.com. For tax inquiries, call 851-5733 and select option 2 or email taxquestion@city-buffalo.com. For exemption inquiries, call 851-5733 and selected option 3 or email cobexemption@city-buffalo.com.

City of Buffalo User Fee Office continues operations remotely

The City of Buffalo User Fee office is no longer offering in-person appointments at this time. Any resident in need a copy of their User Fee Bill, Change of Address Form or to speak to someone bout their bill should contact 851-5370. Copies of bills will be printed and available for contactless pickup in Room 114 at Buffalo City Hall.

Buffalo City Hall closed on New Year’s Day

Buffalo City Hall will be closed on Friday, January 1, 2021, for the New Year’s Day holiday.

Holiday garbage and recycling collections

Friday garbage and recycling collections are scheduled for Saturday due to the New Year’s Day holiday. All other collections remain unchanged.

COVID-19 testing available

To fnd the closest COVID-19 test site near you, visit covid19.buffalony.gov. The map contains a complete listing of all COVID-19 testing sites throughout the City with contact information for setting up an appointment, hours of operation and whether the site requires a prescription for testing.

BETC continues to link residents to available jobs

Local job experts continue to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. If you are looking for a new job, call the Buffalo Employment and Training Center at 856-JOBS. Employment counselors are available for remote one-on-one counseling sessions.

Help save lives by giving blood

Mayor Brown asks healthy, COVID-19 symptom-free residents to give blood to help maintain an adequate supply. Donating is safe and precautions are in place to protect donors. To make an appointment, visit connectlifegiveblood.org.

Sign up for BuffAlert

Use BuffAlert to stay informed on important information like emergencies and cancellations. You can sign up by texting JOIN BUFFALERT to 30890.

This press release was produced by the City of Buffalo. The views expressed here are the author’s own.