Hundreds of motorists who park at surface lots around the old Memorial Auditorium site and

beneath the Skyway might see improved conditions in the future.

Buffalo's Parking Board disclosed today that a "beautification" project is being planned

that would include new lighting, paving and fencing at several lots that are frequented by

downtown workers, people attending special events and visitors to Buffalo's developing

waterfront.

The goal, said Parking Board Chairwoman Susan M. Gonzalez, is to make some parking lots

that are on the edges of the downtown shoreline "more appropriate looking and pleasant

looking."

"Wow, Christmas comes early," said board member R. Maura Cohen, alluding to the fact that

conditions at some of the surface lots in the Lower Main corridor have been targets of

criticism for their dingy and dark appearances.

City officials have been working closely with the state Department of Transportation, which

owns the land on which several lots are situated, said Gonzalez. They have also been talking

with private firms who operate the lots.

"We've always believed that these lots should look better," said Richard A. Serra,

president of Allpro Parking, which manages several lots in the Lower Main corridor. "But not

being the property owner, we can't make capital improvements."

The financing of parking lot enhancements are still being discussed, as is the time line

for beginning the work, officials said today. One financing option might involve earmarking a

percentage of the revenue generated at each lot for beautification efforts, Gonzalez said.

The state Thruway Authority also owns some land beneath the Niagara Thruway that is used

for surface parking. Some Parking Board members said they hope the authority will also become

a partner in the beautification initiative.