Legislator Miller-Williams, along with her legislative colleagues, join the St. Paul's Cathedral Church in Downtown Buffalo in commemorating it's Bicentennial Anniversary. For 200 storied years, St. Paul’s Cathedral has been a shining symbol of worship in the City of Buffalo and beyond. In recognition of the Cathedral as Buffalo’s premier spiritual home and landmark, the Erie County Legislature proudly congratulates and applauds St. Paul’s Cathedral on its bicentennial anniversary, and desire for their faith and outreach to eternally expand to fill Western New York with the spirit of Christ.

Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct a Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) Outreach on Wednesday December 20, 2017 at the following locations:

• Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

William-Emslie YMCA

585 William Street, Buffalo, NY 14206

• Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm

Hispanics United of Buffalo

254 Virginia Street, Buffalo, NY 14201

Constituents are encouraged to apply for the benefit even if their bill is current so that the H.E.A.P. benefit can be applied as a credit to their account. All eligible households may submit an application to receive services for the Regular H.E.A.P. benefit, Weatherization Assistance program, Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Assistance program and the Heating Equipment (Furnace) Clean and Tune Assistance program. Emergency Assistance and Electric Assistance will be available starting January 2, 2018.

Applicants are requested to bring the following Documentation to the Workshop:

• One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card)
• Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.)
• Current heat bill (and/or electric bill; opens January 2, 2018)
• For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating H.E.A.P. contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to home 

On Tuesday December 19, 2017, Legislator Miller Williams joined Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes in the fight to secure $5 million in funding for the Central Terminal, a District 1 project that Legislator Miller-Williams has been advocating for since 2007. Central Terminal, a landmark of Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood, is in need of funds and strategic vision to fully revitalize and stabilize the historic structure and give it a renewed sense of utility and purpose for the 21^st century.

Some of the much-needed work on the architectural gem include restoring the building’s arched windows, repairing crumbling masonry and elevators, addressing plumbing issues, and installing kitchens for intended restaurant space. Restoring Central Terminal and allowing the community at large to determine the best way for it to be used is a vital step in Buffalo’s overall transformation and securing this funding will allow the Central Terminal to continue to be a part Buffalo’s great renaissance. 

Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams will conduct a Home Energy Assistance Program (H.E.A.P.) Outreach on Wednesday December 13, 2017 at the following locations:

• Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 9:30am to 12:30pm

George K. Arthur Center

2056 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14211

• Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – 1pm to 4pm

Dorothy J. Collier Center

118 E. Utica Street, Buffalo, NY 14209

Constituents are encouraged to apply for the benefit even if their bill is current so that the H.E.A.P. benefit can be applied as a credit to their account. All eligible households may submit an application to receive services for the Regular H.E.A.P. benefit, Weatherization Assistance program, Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement Assistance program and the Heating Equipment (Furnace) Clean and Tune Assistance program. Emergency Assistance and Electric Assistance will be available starting January 2, 2018.

Applicants are requested to bring the following Documentation to the Workshop:

• One (1) form of identification for all household members (birth certificates, license, Social Security Card)
• Proof of income received within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, SS or pension award letters, proof of child support, rental income, unemployment benefits, worker’s comp., etc.)
• Current heat bill (and/or electric bill; opens January 2, 2018)
• For Heating Equipment: Two (2) furnace estimates from participating H.E.A.P. contractors; Proof of homeownership- Deed to home 

Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams is taking action to proactively refine the County’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program and ensure the initiative’s long term viability and efficacy.

In conjunction with the Energy and Environment Committee, Legislator Miller-Williams moved to allow the Department of Environment and Planning to enter into a contact with Solara Inc. and obtain their consulting services to conduct a feasibility study on the collection program in hopes of maintaining and improving it. Main goals of the study include assessing the program’s current procedures, evaluating its management practices, completing an economic appraisal, and providing recommendations to the County for it to best serve its constituents’ hazardous waste disposal needs.

Since its inception in 1988, the Erie County Hazardous Waste Collection Program has provided residents the opportunity to properly dispose of unwanted household chemicals, thereby protecting the environment and improving home safety.  Two to three free events are held annually for residents to freely dispose of their hazardous items, serving nearly 850 households looking to dispose of items labeled as “poisonous,” “toxic,” “flammable,” or with other cautionary labeling. With events known to exceed 1,500 households in often limited space, the program’s efficiency is at times hindered and unable to be properly executed.  

“Reaching out to a professional consultant to evaluate the Household Hazardous Waste Program is a giant step in promoting the County’s environmental protection initiatives, and I look forward to evaluating the study’s results once completed to implement its suggested reforms and help residents dispose of their household items effectively and efficiently,” stated Legislator Miller Williams.

The study is funded through a grant received by the New York State and will have no impact on County resources. Legislator Miller-Williams hopes the study will begin shortly and for changes to be implemented before the next collection event is held.