Statement from President Pro Tempore Everhart Regarding the Cancellation of the Rescheduled Hood Taste of Buffalo

Buffalo Common Council President Pro Tempore and Masten District Council Woman Zeneta B. Everhart has issued a statement on the Administration’s proposed budget resolution to limit the Council’s authority over city contracts, contract amendments, memorandums of understanding, and budget and personnel amendments:

“I am deeply disappointed by the cancellation of the rescheduled Hood Taste of Buffalo, but more importantly, I am disappointed for the vendors, small business owners, and community members who invested their hard-earned money, time, and trust into this event.

After the cancellation of the original event, I worked alongside Tesha Parker of Rooted in Love to support efforts to bring the event back in a way that was organized, transparent, and beneficial to the community. We offered real solutions.

I offered to waive the fees associated with the park permit and committed to covering the cost of garbage totes for the event. The event was sched uled to take place in Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and Tesha Parker offered to use her organization’s insurance to help secure the necessary permit. In addition, I organized a community meeting to educate residents, entrepreneurs, and aspiring event organizers on how to properly secure vendor permits, host events in our neighborhoods, and scale their businesses responsibly.

These efforts were made because I believed in the vision of creating opportunities for Black-owned businesses, food vendors, and entrepreneurs to thrive.

However, I have since learned that many vendors were not refunded the money they paid following the cancellation of the original event. I have also received complaints regarding another event, including a planned camping trip, where participants reportedly did not receive refunds.

Let me be very clear: I will never condone any event organizer taking advantage of vendors, entrepreneurs, or residents who are investing their hard-earned dollars in good faith. Small businesses already face enough barriers. They should not have to worry about whether they will be treated fairly or whether their money will be returned when an event does not occur.

I have learned that complaints have been submitted to the New York State Attorney General’s Office. I have personally reached out to the Attorney General’s Office and forwarded all complaints that were shared with me so that the concerns of vendors and residents are properly documented and reviewed. Accountability matters.

Our community deserves events that are well-planned, transparent, and rooted in integrity. Our vendors deserve honesty. Our residents deserve respect. And our entrepreneurs deserve protection, not exploitation.

I stand with every vendor and resident who has been affected, and I remain committed to supporting the hardworking small businesses that continue to invest in Buffalo’s East Side every day.”

For media requests or information on this and all Common Council topics, please contact Buffalo Common Council Media & Communications Associate Tim Fenster at tfenster@buffalony.gov or (716) 851-4207.