5/14 Memorial Commission in need of funds

Representatives from the 5/14 Memorial Commission updated the community on their progress since unveiling the memorial design in May, two years after the tops mass shooting. There are still many steps to go. The commission says a lack of funds is slowing the process.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Representatives from the 5/14 Memorial Commission updated the community Tuesday on their progress since unveiling the memorial design in May, two years after the Tops mass shooting.

The commission said a lack of funds is slowing the process.

“Well right now, we have five million that was allocated from the from the governor and we have one million that has been allocated from the City of Buffalo,” said 5/14 Memorial Commission Chair Reverend Mark Blue.

The funds that have been allocated so far equate to $6 million, but the project is expected to cost $15 million.

“We do have a fundraising committee that we're heading up and we're looking at getting them acclimated and getting them going to look at the needed funds that we have,” Blue said.

The commission has been working to create a second permanent memorial for the victims of the Tops mass shooting for over a year.

To help fundraise, the commission met with White House Advisor Tom Perez along with other key figures in Washington and the state this past month.

“It’s extremely important for any of the partners and financial contributors that we can gain for what we're doing," Blue said. "We are even talking to the 9/11 Commission and others because they have a template. They've been through this process before. We don't need to reinvent the wheel.”

Blue said the designs showcased in May haven't changed at this time and that finding a location is also holding up the process.

“I wish again, I had a wand, and we can just pick a site," he said. "But, there's still some work that needs to be done and we're working diligently to hopefully have that piece done relatively soon." 

So, how close is the commission to breaking ground?

“The hope, a hope is that in 2026 that this can be done, that we we're looking hopefully with the contingent on the funds, maybe even breaking ground in 2025,” Blue said.

The appointment of a site curator and up-keep for the monument once it's built is going to be discussed at future meetings.

“Upkeep, maintenance and perpetuity. This is not just a one and done," Blue said. "We want to make sure that we cover this for the for the whole life of the monument."

Leaders said the meetings will happen on the first Monday of every month, excluding holidays, in the future. All meetings will be open to the public.