As a way to increase shopping in the Elmwood District this holiday season, Mayor Brown, Delaware District Councilmember Joel Feroleto, Niagara District Councilmember David A. Rivera, and the Elmwood Village Association have announced a new shuttle ride that will transport shoppers from the Gallagher Parking Ramp (on Elmwood between Hodge Ave. and Utica St.) to numerous destination stops along the street. Those utilizing the Saturday shuttle service will be allowed to park in the ramp for free. The shuttle will not only help to encourage more people to shop, it will also help to alleviate parking stress in the Elmwood Village.
“I am thrilled to sponsor this pilot program on behalf of Elmwood businesses”, said Councilmember Feroleto. “Shopping local is especially important this time of year… the free shuttle (from Forest to Allen) makes it even more convenient for visitors and residents alike to appreciate all that this neighborhood has to offer.”
The shuttle will run Saturdays from noon to midnight, beginning November 28 and continuing through December 19.
“Buffalo welcomes the increase in visitors to our city’s shopping and dining districts, particularly during the holidays, and we’re pleased to play a role in launching the brand-new pilot park & ride program for visitors to the Elmwood Village by providing free parking at the Gallagher Parking Ramp on Saturdays during the holidays,” said Mayor Brown. “As part of my administration’s ongoing effort to drive business to stores and restaurants in Buffalo, and to make it easier to park in our shopping districts citywide, we’re also pleased to announce that the city will suspend parking meter enforcement on Friday, November 27th, making parking free at all its metered spaces on “Black Friday”, as well as on December 23rd, 24th and 31st.”
“I commend Mayor Brown and Commissioner of Parking Kevin Helfer for offering free parking on Black Friday and at the Gallagher Ramp. We want to encourage shoppers to buy local and support our small businesses this holiday season. I also applaud Council Member Feroleto and the Elmwood Village Association for a creative, fun solution to ease parking congestion along Elmwood Avenue this shopping season. The trolley will be a great addition to the neighborhood.”
“The Elmwood Village boasts more than 40 restaurants and 50 shops and boutiques”, said Elmwood Village Association Executive Director Carly Battin. “We are thrilled to partner with the City of Buffalo on this initiative to make it even easier for visitors to experience all that the Elmwood Village has to offer. The variety, quality, and service you can find on Elmwood can’t be beat; plus, the experience of walking Elmwood this time of year is simply wonderful and the shuttle service only enhances the walkability of our neighborhood.”
Holiday events in the Elmwood Village include the Black Friday Boutique Crawl (Fri., Nov. 27th 9 a.m. – 12 p.m), Small Business Saturday (Sat., Nov. 28th), EVergreen Holiday Bazaar (Saturdays, Nov. 28th – Dec. 19th 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.), Christmas in the Village (Thurs., Dec. 10th – Sat., Dec. 12th), and Men’s Shopping Night (Thurs. Dec. 17th 5 p.m. – 9 p.m). The schedule of events and event details can be found on the Elmwood Village Association website (www.elmwoodvillage.org). For more information about holiday events, shopping, dining, or the park & ride program, please contact the Elmwood Village Association at (716) 881-0707.