More security cameras to be installed at Buffalo park

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Graffiti, illegal dumping and vandalism have been reported in the past at a local park, and now there are calls for added security.

Buffalo Common Council approved Tuesday the transfer of $50,000 to Buffalo Police to put up additional security cameras at Houghton Park. Right now, there’s just one surveillance camera by the basketball court.

The council member for the Lovejoy District Bryan Bollman says he’s looking to expedite this project and get the cameras up this summer.

“Houghton Park is a key piece to the Kaisertown neighborhood. I’m very excited to be able to deliver funding and this vandalism, the graffiti, the illegal dumping it’s something that we want to curb,” Bollman said.

This comes as city residents continue to discuss a proposed master plan that would completely reshape the park. A final decision on how to proceed with the plan has not yet been made.

According to the master plan for Houghton Park, residents have expressed interest in a new pool, a new splash pad, new fields for youth sports, more parking and for park security to be stepped up.

Construction would get underway four years from now and wrap up in 2032. The city is using funds from the American Rescue Plan to redevelop eight city parks including Houghton Park.

Cost estimates to overhaul Houghton Park have been as high as $16 million.

Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here .