BUFFALO, N.Y. — The 5/14 Memorial Commission released the results of their community survey. The survey was conducted between June and November.
According to the commission, 1,300 people completed the survey.
There were some questions about why the commission conducted the survey, but Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said the commission was focused on ensuring everyone had a voice and was heard on the matter.
"We want the community to drive the process," Mayor Brown said. "We wanted to get as much feedback from across the community as we possibly could."
According to the survey, 87% of respondents support a physical memorial. 86% of respondents also believe the memorial should be outside, and 88% believe the memorial should be near the location of the Tops shooting on May 14, 2022.
Commission Chair Reverend Mark Blue says the survey was difficult for people to complete, as it was a reminder of one of Buffalo's darkest days.
"There's no time limit on the grieving process, I want to make that clear," Rev. Blue said. "This has been an emotional roller coaster for us."
Of the 1,300 respondents, 325 indicated they lived in zip codes adjacent to the Tops on Jefferson Aveunue. Another 34% indicated they lived in Buffalo, but not on the East Side, and 29% said they lived in Erie Co, but not Buffalo, with the final 5% saying they didn't live in Erie Co.
While a "request for [design] submissions" is currently underway, the commission did not indicate when a design will be determined.
New York State has pledged $900,000 toward a permanent memorial, but Reverend Blue told 2 On Your Side the price tag will like be between $10-$12M.
"I wish I had a magic wand, I wish I had an empty checkbook that I can just write a check, but we don't," Rev. Blue said.
Mayor Brown did indicate that the city is going to financially contribute to the memorial, but did not disclose how much. Private donations are also expected based on conversations the commission says its had.