Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Draft Design Report and Environmental Assessment (DDR/EA) is now available for public review and comment for the $1 billion Kensington Expressway project, bringing the project one step closer in reconnecting the surrounding community.
The 328-page document highlights the project plans and alternatives discussed in multiple public hearings as well as tentative project timelines and a comprehensive breakdown that details the social, economic, and environmental effects of the project to cover a portion of the expressway. The report also outlines measures to mitigate any adverse effects.
"Release of the report is the latest step in the environmental review process and is part of the State Department of Transportation’s ongoing commitment to work with the community and engage stakeholders at every juncture of this transformative undertaking," says Gov. Kathy Hochul's office via press release.
The stakeholder group is comprised of the the New York State Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Highways and members of the Restore our Community Coalition (ROCC).
Stephanie Barber-Geter, President of ROCC, is pleased with the progress being made in this billion dollar project, and is excited to hear what the community has to say about the report.
"We have been able, on a monthly basis, to make continuing improvements and recommendations. We think we're getting closer. One of the things that I like about [the report] is that they pay good attention to the air quality, underground water issues, traffic flow, [as well as] good attention to what happens with people who are living [near] construction. before, during and after, making sure people are taken care of during this process."
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The project extends along the Kensington Expressway and Humboldt Parkway from High Street to Northland Avenue. The project plans will cap more than half of the 1.3 mile stretch from Dodge to Sidney Street, forming a tunnel. On top, there would with ample park and greenspace, lined with trees for the community to enjoy.
Another important, highly-considered addition will be the inclusion of multiple roundabouts on the Best Street intersection to help alleviate traffic congestion.
"Expanding of the boundaries to restore streets that have been long in need of help, attention to things like underground sewer lines and water lines. I think people will be excited about the fact that the area is broader. Some things will be corrected from the last time they did the blasting in the 50s and 60s [to create the expressway.]," Barber-Geter explains.
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There will be another pair of public hearings for more community-driven input, which Barber-Jeter emphasizes is essential as the project is community inspired and driven. A morning and afternoon public hearing on this project is scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 27 at the Buffalo Museum of Science on Best Street. Click here for the online comment link.
"Our vision has always been to stop the road from killing us. You know, the emissions, all of that traffic, bad traffic design, all of that. But our plan has always been to have a far reaching impact on the neighborhood. So for us, it means fixing streets, building 100 new homes, rehabbing 100 homes that are currently at their brink, and to restore storefronts along Jefferson and Fillmore, which we really need. What we want to do is erase the injustice of only having one supermarket, where you can catch most of our people on any Saturday afternoon and they're targets. We want to fix that," explains Barber-Geter.
The goal for the project, outlined in the report, is to break ground on the project starting next year and concluding work by the end of the decade.