More community opposition is mounting, per the construction of a $1.04 billion tunnel along a ¾-mile section of the Route 33 Expressway. For those who are not familiar with this over-the-top waste of money, the proposal is being rammed through by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). In a recent Buffalo Rising post by Dan Cadzow, he noted that the covering of the expressway, between Sidney and Best Streets on the city’s East Side, would be the most expensive stretch of road ever built in the United States.
Now, the battle to stop the project dead in its tracks is gaining more traction, as more and more people are speaking out about the half-baked plan.
Candace Moppins, Co-founder of the Coalition and Executive Director of the Delavan Grider Community Center (DGCC) stated, “As a lifelong resident of this community, I’ve taken a strong interest in this project. I’ve attended the hearings and several community meetings, and there is NO community wide consensus in support of the DOT’s currently proposed option. Our communities have endured the noise and pollution of the 33 Expressway for decades. This is not the best option for our communities! We deserve better!”
Terrence Robinson, a lifelong resident of the Humboldt Parkway and member of ESP, stated “Next Friday is the end of the DOT’s comment period for this project. We call on the Governor to mandate a full Environmental Impact Statement to explore all the options, including full restoration/fill-in of the Parkway. This is the only option that has not been fully investigated by the DOT, but it’s my opinion this is the best option currently on the table. Expressway removal and full restoration of our Olmsted Parkway deserves a full review and analysis.”
On Wednesday, November 8th at 5:30pm, the East Side Parkways Coalition (ESP) is holding a press conference and community teach-in at the Delavan Grider Community Center, 877 East Delavan Ave in Buffalo. Following the press conference, ESP invites the community to an informational PowerPoint session and discussion at 6:00pm. Folks will be able to submit comments to NYSDOT using DGCC’s Computer Lab.
Also see:
Great Streets Make For Great Cities II – Humboldt Parkway