With milder-than-usual weather in the forecast for New Year's Eve, a larger turnout is expected in downtown Buffalo for its annual ball drop. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says preparations are going smoothly for next week's celebrations.
In addition to the annual ball drop from the Electric Tower, families will be taking part in First Night a few blocks away earlier in the evening. And, the Buffalo Sabres have a home game scheduled for Tuesday evening. In all, it will bring tens of thousands of people downtown.
Mayor Brown recommends planning ahead, arriving early and also suggests considering using public transportation such as the NFTA Metro Rail if possible. The city is also taking steps to ease parking issues as best as possible.
"The Fernbach and the Turner Ramps are free that night to help to facilitate parking," Brown added.
As for public safety, Brown told reporters his city's police and other agencies are prepared.
"There's always a specialized public safety plan for every single special event in the City of Buffalo," he said. "Police do great work planning for these events. There's a great partnership with the Buffalo Fire Department, the Public Works Department and other law enforcement to make sure that people can have a safe, festive and fun time in downtown Buffalo."
