A Message from Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and UB President John B. Simpson

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Over the past two years, the City of Buffalo and the University at Buffalo have been working with residents and students to enhance the quality of life in the University Heights neighborhood.

Last Sunday's tragic death of Javon Jackson reminds us of the importance of this collaborative approach.

We have agreed to review our partnership and find ways to build upon it.

The joint efforts of the city and the university have produced some notable benefits for the University Heights community, including:

• The establishment of a dedicated Buffalo Police Department detail patrolling University Heights;

• The installation of three surveillance cameras, funded by UB and monitored by the Buffalo Police Department;

• The creation of a problem properties task force to identify and address housing issues;

• A proactive approach to preventing student parties from becoming nuisances; and

• A volunteer effort by students who pick up trash in the neighborhood every Saturday.

Earlier this week, officials from the city and the university met to begin exploring additional options for University Heights. Among the possibilities that were discussed:

• Joint Buffalo Police Department/University at Buffalo police patrols along Main Street;

• The installation of additional surveillance cameras;

• A "safe ride" van program to provide transportation for students;

• Expanded educational programs to help students be good neighbors and avoid becoming victims of crime;

• Additional strategies to combat burglaries and robberies; and

• Redoubled efforts to address housing and quality-of-life issues.

In addition, to help address the underlying economic issues in the community, the university and the city will explore future employment and job training opportunities for city residents as the UB 2020 initiative expands the university's presence on both the South (Main Street) Campus and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

We are committed to continue to work together, in partnership with students and residents, to address the needs of the University Heights area and to strengthen our community.