Buffalo Recreation Center reopens a week after filming, sends four to ECMC

Buffalo, N.Y. (WIVB) — The local ice rink reopened Saturday night after four people were shot dead a week ago. The business is reopening with new safety measures in place.

Pharaoh Paige, owner of the Zone One entertainment complex, was referring to the shooting here last week and wanted to clarify.

He said he opened the East Amherst Street business as a place for community entertainment. But after Saturday’s shooting that left four injured, including a 19-year-old woman in critical condition, he’s making a change.

“When that happens, you pay a price,” said Pharaoh Paige, owner of the District One Recreation Centre. “It makes it hard to sleep at night. So, now we’re getting that sense of community.”

The business is moving away from 18 and over and focusing on creating a safe environment for families and they will no longer be open after 10pm

“They let us know they’d be back and they’d be booking the party,” Page added. “They understand that I as the owner and we as employees have the best interests and best hearts in protecting this facility and guiding our community.”

Page told CNN that an armed security guard was at work on the night of the shooting, but did not intervene as he should.

A new security company has now been hired, in addition to 32 new surveillance cameras and a new identity registration system – guests must show ID to record who is inside.

A close friend of one of the victims said the shooting was a source of concern for many families who had traveled here.

“We will stand up against violence and against those who try to use violence against our community,” said Buffalo parent Moe Badger. “Stand up and say ‘we are here, our community is here’ and stand with this spirit of hate.”

Buffalo police were arrested in that shooting and charged 19-year-old Kenyatta Lee with possession of a loaded firearm. I’ve been told that 100% of the money from reopening tonight will go directly to helping victims.