Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The local leader of the NAACP hosted a meeting Monday with residents and the DOT to clear the air and answer concerns about the Kensington project. Rev. Mark Blue tells WBEN support and opposition have been about even.
Blue says a lot of good information was presented Monday, which should help curtail some of the misinformation that individuals received. "Citizens that had some of those concerns, some of them were answered to their satisfaction and others were not. The most important thing is that we had an opportunity to have some dialogue, so individuals can express themselves and receive some factual information, instead of information that has been fostered to create a false narrative," says Blue.
Blue says response to the project has been split. "I've heard a lot more individuals who expressed the approval of it, than I heard individuals who expressed some concerns regarding it," explains Blue. He says health has been the biggest concern. "The blasting is a concern," adds Blue. "(The DOT) did a good job sharing that there's minimal asbestos there. There is some, but it's not of great concern that will mess up the air quality of the environment."
Blue is hopeful the DOT will take the concerns to heart. "I believe that the information that was was given and received and shared, would definitely be taken in consideration," believes Blue.