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Buffalo Web Site Spinning an Array of Services

Author: Brian Meyer - News Staff Reporter
Copyright The Buffalo News Inc.

People who are slapped with parking tickets in Buffalo or owe garbage user fees will be able to make payments via the Internet starting Monday.

City officials unveiled a newly-designed Web site Friday that will also enable computer users to get information about all 97,000 parcels in Buffalo and view detailed maps that identify schools, parks, police stations and zip codes. Residents who typically lodge complaints with the city by calling a special hot line now have the option of contacting the Office of Citizen Services by visiting the Web site at www.city-buffalo.com

Later this year, residents will be able to obtain building permits on-line and access data that compares the cost of doing business with various local municipalities, including Buffalo.

John J. Zebracki, who heads the city's data-processing unit, said future enhancements will allow for the payment of many other types of permits and licenses. Residents will fill out forms on the computer screen, then supply credit card information on a secured network.

"We have a very simple goal. We want to give people the option of using the Internet to do virtually any business transaction with the city," Zebracki said.

Computer experts are even exploring the feasibility of "video streaming" Common Council sessions and other city meetings onto the Web site. In the future, it might even be possible to pinpoint the exact locations of city snowplows through the Web site.

Mayor Anthony M. Masiello said the city's $100,000 "e-government initiative" will make City Hall more user-friendly.

Officials showcased the Web site at a news conference Friday in the city's data processing nerve center. Algonquin Studios, a Buffalo technology company, has been working with the city on the project. President Stephen M. Kiernan said his staff examined the Web sites of dozens of other cities, and he's convinced Buffalo's site will soon rank near the top when it comes to the number of payment-related features it will offer.

To cut down on delays in updating the site, a special system has been installed that will enable staffers in individual departments to place new material on their pages.

Officials also expect to use the Web site to post notices about school closings, snow emergencies and construction projects.