The Buffalo Police Department has received direction from Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown to stop enforcing low-level marijuana possession offenses.
During his 13th State of the City address, Brown said that as the state moves toward decriminalizing marijuana, it is time to “restore a sense of justice in our community. Low-level offenses, for too long, have derailed people’s lives.”
He also applauded the return of developer Brad Termini and Flora Buffalo for its commitment in keeping the region on the "forefront of the cannabis industry" with the construction of a new facility along Lake Erie. The company's collective bargaining agreement also includes language that will "ensure residents of Buffalo who have been adversely affected by drug laws will receive opportunities from this investment."
He also confirmed during the hour-long speech that the city will be purchasing body cameras for all patrol officers, in keeping with BPD’s stated intention to have all officers trained and equipped as part of its accreditation application.
Turning to public health, Brown said the city will kick off the “Let’s ROLL Buffalo” program to replace all lead pipes any time an existing water main breaks or fails. “The mistakes of the past or threatening our future,” he said. Replacing old lead pipes with new ones will eliminate traces of lead in the city’s water supply, reducing the risks of developmental delays in children.
Brown also announced the development of a new mortgage default registry designed to combat zombie homes. If a lender begins the foreclosure process, they will be required to register with the city’s department of permits and to maintain the condition of the property.
“For every issue the city responds to, a fee will be paid by those who set the cycle in motion,” he said.
Buffalo also will create a “complete count committee” for the 2020 Census, building on the city’s status as a place where “new Americans feel safe and secure, where they come to build a better future.”
Among other announcements made during the speech:
• Developer Doug Jemal, owner of the Seneca One tower, has purchased the former Buffalo Police Department headquarters and will provide $10 million toward the next phase of renovating Main Street to open it to vehicles;
• M&T Bank’s commitment to bringing 1,000 new technology-centered jobs to Buffalo;
• A “significant” commitment from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr Foundation to Trust Buffalo for improvements to public recreation facilities;
• The promotion of Lt. Shelby Thompson, the first black female in the history of the Buffalo Fire Department to hold that position;
• The posthumous awarding of a Key to the City to Frank Mesiah, president of the Buffalo branch of the NAACP for more than 20 years.