BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mayor Byron Brown is proposing several major initiatives in his 2018 capital budget with the goal of improving the overall physical needs across the city. 

So where does he want to spend the money? Nearly $10 million would go toward upgrades to streets, sidewalks and bike lanes. The city plans to move forward with the next phase of continued redevelopment of Niagara Street from Porter Avenue to Ontario Street. 

"This multi-year project will create a welcoming corridor that incorporates the cultural heritage of our proud Hispanic and Puerto Rican communities," Brown said.

Money will also go toward the growing Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, where the new Oishei Children's Hospital is soon to open. Pedestrians will have full access to the entrance to the campus from Allen Street as they city tries to make it easier to get there from nearby neighborhoods and beyond.

"We want to create a multi-modal transportation accessibility so that people can take Metro Rail to the medical campus as opposed to having to drive," Brown said.

$1.5 million is allotted to demolish buildings in the city. Funds will also go city parks, fixing several buildings and new equipment for city departments. $500,000 is already approved to continue enhancing the seats at Coca-Cola Field.

"The 2018 capital budget reflects my administration's increased emphasis on physical upgrades on city-owned facilities to enhance efficiencies, cut operational costs and improve service to our residents," Brown said.

The mayor is also looking beyond next year for several major capital projects with a hefty price tag in the future. That includes planning for a new $5 million fire station, a $4 million animal shelter and upgrades to the East Side transfer station where the entire city's garbage is dumped.

The proposed budget now heads to Common Council for approval by December 15.