Neighborhood groups pitch safety, parks, signage and landscaping projects for $5,000 Neighborhood Partners Fund grants

The Neighborhood Partners Fund Board heard presentations from neighborhood associations on June 9, 2025, as part of a competitive process for grants of up to $5,000. No funding decisions were made that day; the board scheduled deliberations for June 24, when it will make funding recommendations to the mayor and city council.

Buffalo Coalition Neighborhood Association: Dina Ciencietti (president) and Liana Alvarez described a neighborhood-safety and community-outreach program. Buffalo Coalition said it maintains a 172-house neighborhood watch and sends Signal alerts for suspicious activity. The group requested funds for event canopies, branded tablecloths, neighborhood-watch T-shirts and other materials to support its monthly cleanups, block parties and candidate forums.

Crestwood Neighborhood Association: Ashley Lee (president) and Freddie Godinez requested funding for permanent neighborhood signage and resident-engagement workshops (design charrettes) to define Crestwood’s boundaries and identity. The presenters said their plan involves…