City of Buffalo tackles neglected grassy area hiding memorial

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Less than 24 hours after Jeffery Goldsmith came to 2 On Your Side about a neglected area of ​​Masten Park, the city responded with his wishes.

A mural sits along the park wall with an image of Jeffery’s sister, Dee Dee, who was murdered on the steps below in October 2014. But the overgrown grass in front of it blocked the view from the street.

Goldsmith spent years fighting with the city to get the grass cut, and after 2 On Your Side’s report Wednesday night, the city cut the grass Thursday morning.

Jeffery arrived at the park Thursday with a weed whacker, planning to cut it down himself, but was pleasantly surprised to see the problem was already taken care of.

“I feel so good,” he said. “I get chills all over my body just because someone heard us, and I know someone upstairs heard us too, because they let the weather be perfect to get there. »

Although he wants the mural to be visible to everyone, the grass was also a safety issue for Jeffery.

Dee Dee was found dead on the steps behind. It is believed she was calling for help, but no one could see her because of the weeds and tall grass. His killer has still not been found.

“This is a $20,000 mural that we, the family, my nieces, my brothers and sisters all share with this neighborhood,” he said. “I want it to not be a murder scene. I want it to be a little bit of hope. And I hope no one is ever murdered in this park again. That’s what I hope.

Goldsmith also said the city told him its staff planned to return to the area Monday to clean up more of the grass. The city also plans to schedule regular cuttings so that the mural is never hidden again.

Additionally, he is working with the city to block off Masten Avenue so he can have a block party for the entire community to create a happy memory in a place that was once such a dark place for him.