East Side Parkways Coalition Responds to the Governor’s Tunnel & Cap Project

It’s not too late for the Governor to do the right thing in the interest of community health and long term economic vitality for the East Side of Buffalo

The East Side Parkways Coalition will be making a statement today immediately following the Governor’s Infrastructure announcement. The Governor’s announcement is scheduled for today at 10:50 am at the Edward Saunders Community Center, 2777 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo NY 14215. ESP’s response will begin at approximately 11:30 am. Immediately following the Governor’s announcement.

The East Side Parkways Coalition stands united with the majority of East Side and Humboldt Parkway residents in opposing the DOT’s Kensington Expressway Project and the FHWA’s FONSI announcement. For months, members of the East Side Parkways Coalition and collaborating groups have been analyzing the DOT’s DDR/EA plan to build a tunnel and cap over a 3/4 mile stretch of the Kensington Expressway between Sidney and Dodge Streets. They have analyzed environmental data, transportation data, and the community’s responses during the public comment period. They have gone door to door speaking with residents, have attended the DOT’s hearings, and have sponsored numerous events to educate the public and gauge public opinion.

Betty Jean Grant, former Erie County Legislator, states, “If our State officials choose to “stay the course” in their pursuit of a tunnel that has been flatly rejected by the community, our work will continue. We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that a fully restored Parkway is attained. It is the only solution that results in improved community health and strong neighborhoods and commercial districts.”

“This is a failure of leadership at all levels of Government,” stated Terry Robinson, a Humboldt Parkway resident. “Despite overwhelming evidence that the tunnel will just continue to harm local residents, our state officials are choosing political expediency over community health and increased quality of life for the East Side of Buffalo.”

The East Side Parkways coalition is a collection of East Side organizations committed to improving community health and the quality of life for all East Side residents. Representatives from The East Side Parkways Coalition, We are Women Warriors, The Western New York Peace Center, Jes Breathe Cancer Awareness Group, Covington Associations Consulting, Stop the Violence Coalition, the Harriet Tubman Celebration Committee, and numerous local block clubs.