Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - City leaders in Niagara Falls are getting public input on a potential redesign of the LaSalle Expressway.
"The city is considering a major change as part of a much larger plan to revitalize the local waterfront. It would reduce LaSalle from a four to six lane highway to a two lane parkway to encourage development such as a park and connect directly to the Niagara Scenic Parkway," said city administrator Anthony Restaino with WBEN on Tuesday.
Restaino noted the LaSalle Expressway is currently elevated and there is some excitement about bringing it to street level, reducing its speed, and linking it directly to the Scenic Parkway.
The LaSalle Expressway cuts right through the LaSalle neighborhood and there are concerns that it often becomes a speedway.
"That expressway pretty much links Williams Road into the city," he said. "Neighborhood residents seemed to be quite interested in the redesign plans."
Bicycle lanes would be part of the project as well. Currently there are no bike lanes along the LaSalle Expressway.
Another workshop is set for Tuesday evening. It will focus on the Niagara Scenic Parkway and what possible amenities could be developed on Hyde Park Boulevard which could lead directly into the Parkway. It currently is
not connected.
Tuesday's meeting is from 6 pm to 8 pm at the John A. Duke Senior Citizen Center at 1201 Hyde Park Blvd.
Additionally, Restaino said there is interest in the former Public Safety Building on Hyde Park Boulevard. It is being eyed for a senior assisted living facility.
