Thomas J. Madison
Acting Commissioner
NYS Department of Transportation
50 Wolf Rd.
Albany, NY 12237
Dear Commissioner Madison:
I write in strong support of Congressman Brian Higgins’ request for the NYS Department of Transportation to undertake the necessary environmental studies to remove the Buffalo Skyway and replace it with a new connector.
As a member of the Assembly’s Transportation Committee and the member who represents a significant portion of the Skyway I have long supported this idea. As you know, the Skyway has been demonstrated to be a dangerous transportation structure in the winter months, coupled with its frequent closures due to inclement weather. It is also expensive to maintain, requiring frequent painting and repairs, and is expected to require significant repairs in the immediate future estimated at more than $100 million.
As we continue our efforts to revitalize Buffalo’s waterfront, we must explore new and forward thinking ideas to incorporate transportation infrastructure that compliments, rather than detracts from these efforts. I respectfully encourage you to undertake these studies as soon as possible, so that we may begin substantive planning for its replacement.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
SAM HOYT
MEMBER OF ASSEMBLY
SH:sjmk
The Honorable Joseph H. Boardman Commissioner
New York State Department of Transportation
1220 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12232
RE: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR REMOVAL OF SKYWAY BRIDGE IN DOWNTOWN BUFFALO (NY ROUTE 5)
Dear Commissioner Boardman:
The revitalization of downtown Buffalo, for many purposes including commercial and residential redevelopment, is in many ways contingent upon the effective use of existing transportation infrastructure. When the use of existing infrastructure is no longer viable - for whatever reason ~ alternatives can and must be examined carefully.
As you know, the removal of the aforementioned “Skyway” bridge, constituting the elevated section of NY Route 5 in downtown Buffalo, has outlived its usefulness. Constructed in the 1950s as a means for vehicular transportation that would not interfere with Buffalo’s inner harbor shipping industry, the bridge has sadly degenerated into a dangerous and costly eyesore. Worse, its existence continues to hamper efforts at waterfront redevelopment in Buffalo as its location remains an impediment to waterfront access to pedestrians and vehicles.
A source of many vehicular and traffic problems and frequent weather related closings, at this time, the Skyway is coming due for $70-80 million in state-funded: rehabilitation. In addition, officials of the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit have repeatedly cited the Skyway as one of Buffalo’s most treacherous roadways. In my opinion, there is no amount of funding that can appropriately address the long-term needs of this bridge. The State ought not to throw good money toward an insufficient rehab project. The Skyway should simply be removed and replaced with a safer and more effective roadway.
As you know, I have advocated this position for some time. I am interested now in pursuing the Environmental Impact Statement (E/S) process, and am requesting the assistance of your department with the same.
Obviously, the removal and eventual replacement of the Skyway bridge �in whatever form its replacement will take - is a project that will require significant resources and will have a positive impact on downtown development. I am hopeful that NYSDOT will examine a wide range of alternatives to the bridge and will include the same in all necessary legal documents required to move forward with this proposal.
I would ask that your office advise me as to the progress of the E/S process and similarly advise as to any assistance I may provide in this regard. I would encourage you to contact me directly at (716) 825-6080 if you should wish to discuss this request in greater detail. Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation. I look forward to speaking with you concerning this matter very shortly.
Very truly yours,
BRIAN M. HIGGINS
Member of Assembly 14Sth District
cc: Brian Rowback, WNY Regional Director, NYSDOT
County of Erie
Dennis T. Gorski
County Executive
September 25, 1991
Dear Mr. Russell:
Thank you for submitting the Draft Southtowns Connector Feasibility Study for my review.
The document certainly provides sound justification to move forward with the preliminary design and environmental analysis phase. It clearly notes the economic justification for the Highway as well as the transportation need. The latter being a surprise finding.
Upon reviewing the Study with Commissioner Richard Tobe of the Department of Environment and Planning, I wish to note the following points. Hopefully, the items can be clarified in the final document.
1. The alternatives outlined indicate that a connection from the Connector to Route 219 Connection and I-90. It is not clear as to why this was omitted, since it seems to be a logical link
2. The horizon Waterfront Commission’s draft Action Plan includes the Southtowns Connector as a key transportation component. Likewise the draft Southtowns Connector feasibility Study continuously notes the positive economic impact a connector would have on the Horizon Waterfront Commission’s goals for shoreline development. Such interplay between the two documents is commendable and was certainly a desired result of both efforts.
A close examination of both documents however, does note on area which requires further clarification or the preparation of a sound strategy for dealing with it. The issue pertains to the treatment of Route 5 from Ohio Street to the Buffalo River. The connector Study indicates that this road segment will remain as it is currently aligned, while the Horizon Plan recommends removal of the elevated section and subsequent relocation of Route 5. A waterfront boulevard would be constructed as a new roadway somewhat east of the existing Route 5.
Since the relocation of Route 5 is a key part of the Commission’s Outer Harbor proposal, I will be urging Tom Blanchard to discuss this discrepancy with you in the near future.
1. It is my understanding that the Skyway will exceed its useful life in the Year 2010. Additional repairs to the Structure will not be feasible and complete replacement necessary. I would clearly and to set the stage for public discussion of alternatives to the Skyway such as a tunnel or small Gateway Bridge structure.
2. The report does not include a recommendation. A reading of the document however, clearly indicates that the Connector is feasible, not only from an economic view but from a traffic recommendation that the project move forward into the environmental analysis and preliminary planning phase. This would be logical statement given the facts and figures contained in the document.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment and congratulations to you Department and the Western New York Economic Development Corporation for a fine report.
Very truly yours,
Dennis Gorski
County Executive
DTG/RMT/SV
CC: Richard M Tobe
Thomas Blanchard
Judith Kossy
Andrew Rudnick
Ronald Coan
David R. Smith
John C. Loffredo
MEETING NO. 11
June 5, 2003
ERIE COUNTY LEGISLATURE
RESOLUTION NO. 206
Re: Buffalo Skyway (NYS Route 5) Painting & Restoration. (Intro. 11-3)
A RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY LEGISLATOR KUWIK
WHEREAS, the Buffalo Skyway, New York State Route 5, is a major thoroughfare providing direct access to the City of Buffalo from the southern suburbs for commuters, and
WHEREAS, the Skyway directs vehicular traffic 110 feet over the Buffalo River and City Ship Canal, and
WHEREAS, the Skyway, due to its height, location, and condition, is considered by many to be an eyesore and a major impediment to the waterfront and inner and outer harbor economic development projects, and is no longer necessary due to the absence of lake freighters entering the City Ship Canal, and
WHEREAS, New York State Assemblyman Brian Higgins has called for a study and examination of the options for the development of the harbor area, focusing on the potential elimination of the Skyway and its replacement with an alternative corridor, such as a tunnel, and
WHEREAS, Assemblyman Higgins has been joined by Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello and Assemblyman Richard Smith in a discussion of the long-range use of the waterfront and the potential devolution of Route 5 into a parkway starting at the foot of the Skyway, thus contributing to the revitalization of the waterfront and better and easier access for the public to the Lake and harbor, and
WHEREAS, the demolition and removal of the Skyway will open- up 100 acres of prime waterfront land for development and public uses, including parks and beaches, and
WHEREAS, there is significant public and governmental support for the elimination of the Skyway, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has announced that it will commence with a 16-month long painting and restoration of the Buffalo Skyway, New York State Route 5, and
WHEREAS, that painting project will cost $11.4 million, and
WHEREAS, in 1999 and 2000, a $5.7 million project to clean and repaint the Skyway, awarded to a Poughkeepsie, NY firm, was halted midway when the firm experienced financial distress and closed and the bonding company guaranteeing the project entered receivership, and
WHEREAS, in 1985, a similar effort to clean and paint the Skyway resulted in some 2,500 cars and boats parked near or underneath the bridge being damaged with grit or paint, leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and reflecting the cost and difficulty associated with maintaining the bridge, and
WHEREAS, in the near future, the Skyway will require expensive and extensive rehabilitation costs, including painting, a comprehensive deck replacement, sub-structural repairs, and other work totaling as much as $100 million, and regular maintenance costs that make the structure prohibitively expensive, and
WHEREAS, the Buffalo Police Department, over a recent three-year period, responded to 1,269 police and emergency calls on the Skyway, 167 of which resulted in personal injury or death, and
WHEREAS, in times of inclement weather, the Buffalo Police Department is forced to dedicate six patrol cars and numerous police officers to barricade and close the Skyway, costing thousands of dollars per year, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature supports and encourages the award of local transportation and other public sector contracts, where possible, to local construction firms and companies that employ significant numbers of local union employees, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature calls on NYSDOT to reexamine repainting the Skyway in these difficult fiscal times at a cost of $11.4 million when the structure may be demolished and replaced within the next few years, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature calls on NYSDOT to initiate a much more limited repainting and restoration of the Skyway that ensures public safety and guarantees the integrity and stability of the bridge, while limiting costs while a review can be undertaken to study the potential for a tunnel or other alternatives, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature expresses its support to Assemblyman Brian Higgins and the local state delegation in their efforts to replace the Skyway, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature calls on the State of New York to provide funding to conduct a comprehensive study of alternatives to the Skyway, including the costs of those alternatives, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature calls on the local federal delegation to work together to develop federal funds to assist in the replacement of the Skyway in the context of the development of the waterfront and harbor, and be it further
RESOLVED, that certified copies of this resolution be transmitted to Joseph H. Boardman, Commissioner of NYSDOT, Alan E. Taylor, Acting Regional Director of NYSDOT, Robert E. O’Connor, Regional Construction Manager of NYSDOT, Assemblymen Brian Higgins and Richard Smith, Senator William Stachowski, Erie County Executive Joel Giambra, Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello, and members of the local federal delegation.
Fiscal Impact: Highly significant for the development of the Buffalo waterfront.
MR. RANZENHOFER moved to amend the resolution. MR. KUWIK seconded.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
DELETE the first RESOLVED clause and REPLACE with the following:
RESOLVED, that the Erie County Legislature supports and encourages the award of local transportation and other public sector contracts, where possible, to local construction firms and companies that employ significant numbers of local employees, and be it further
MR. KUWIK moved the approval of the resolution as amended.
MR. HOLT seconded.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO
February 3, 2004
NO. 131
By: Mr. Griffin
Feasibility Study for a Gateway Tunnel and the Removal of the Skyway Bridge
Whereas: In 1990 a Gateway feasibility study was prepared by Hayden/Wegman and Jenny Engineering Corporation to explore constructing a tunnel from downtown Buffalo to Fuhrman Blvd. and the removal of the Skyway bridge; and
Whereas: Five alternate options were proposed; the first option called for construction of a tunnel and the removal of the Skyway bridge. In 1990 dollars, that option carried a $113.6 million price tag; and
Whereas: The study resulted in Congressman Henry Nowak securing $20 million for demolition of the Skyway and the construction of the tunnel; and
Whereas: Unfortunately, after Congressman Nowak left office, the $20 million was used for other purposes; and
Whereas: Access to the outer harbor has been a deterrent for the development of our waterfront; and
Whereas: The Skyway Bridge often has to be closed when inclement weather hits, or when there is an accident on the bridge. This presents a very dangerous situation and also take police officers off the street so that they can block off the bridge entrances on both sides; and
Whereas: Construction of a new tunnel and demolition of the Skyway bridge would also open up prime waterfront land for economic development projects in the City of Buffalo; and
Whereas: There is currently about $50 million in unused State funds from the Adelphia Operations Center project that could be allocated to this undertaking;
Now, Therefore be it Resolved:
That the Common Council requests the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets review and update the 1990 Gateway feasibility study; and
Be it Further Resolved:
That the City Clerk’s office send certified copies of this resolution to the Department of Public Works, the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, the New York State Department of Transportation, to Congressman Jack Quinn, and to Mayor Anthony Masiello to review this resolution and send their comments and recommendations as to the feasibility of this proposal.
CITY OF BUFFALO
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
ANTHONY M. MASIELLO MAYOR
November 8, 2002
Mr. Brian Rowback
Regional Director
New York Department of Transportation
125 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
RE: SKYWAY BRIDGE
Dear Mr. Rowback:
I urge you to consider alternatives to the Skyway Bridge before new money is invested into repairing the existing structure, which I believe may have outlived its usefulness to the Buffalo/Niagara region.
The existing Skyway is nearly 50 years old and has had an expensive and extensive rehabilitation history costing tens of millions of dol1ars. Moreover, it is my understanding that the Skyway will require additional repairs moving forward that could reach the $100 million range.
Assemblyman Brian Higgins who earlier requested a review of alternatives to the Skyway cited a 1994 City of Buffalo engineering study that offered six alternatives to the Skyway. This plan should receive a formal review before New York State invests any new money into repairing the existing structure.
Removal of the Skyway with a tunneling option would offer many potential benefits to the City of Buffalo including more efficient and safer transportation, and opening up hundreds of acres for new waterftont development opportunities. These opportunities could help Buffalo enhance its regional image and expand the city’s property with new investments in housing and commercial uses.
My administration’s Engineering Division is prepared to assist you in any way in the reviewing the Skyway alternatives outlined in the aforementioned 1994 city report.
Thank you for your consideration in this important matter. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me directly at 851-XXXX.
Sincerely,
Anthony M. Masiello
Mayor
AMM/gk
9/16/2005
The following elected leaders have submitted letters to the New York State Department of Transportation calling for a formal review of Skyway alternatives:
- 9/6/05 Hon. Joseph Schiavi, Fourth Ward Council Member, City of Lackawanna
- 9/7/05 Hon. Toni Cudney, Supervisor, Town of Orchard Park
- 9/8/05 Hon. William T. Stachowski, New York State Senator
- 9/8/05 Hon. James M. Krezmien, Town of Concord Councilman
- 9/12/05 Hon. Sam Hoyt, Member of the New York State Assembly
- 9/12/05 Hon. Antoine M. Thompson, Masten District Council Member, City of Buffalo
- 9/12/05 The Village of Sloan Board of Trustees
- 9/12/05 Hon. Ernest J. Jewett, Mayor of the Village of Blasdell
- 9/15/05 Hon. Tim Kennedy, Erie County Legislator
- 9/15/05 Hon. Barry Weinstein, M.D., Erie County Legislator
- 9/16/05 Hon. Mark J.F. Schroeder, Member of the New York State Assembly
- 9/16/05 Hon. Jeanne Z. Chase, Erie County Legislator
- 9/16/05 Hon. Paul T. Clark, Supervisor, Town of West Seneca
- 9/20/05 Hon. Terry L. Caber, Sr., Mayor, Village of Farnham
- 9/21/05 Hon. Brian C. Davis, Ellicott District COuncil Member, City of Buffalo
- 9/22/05 Hon. David J. Swarts, Erie County Clerk
Resolutions have been passed by the following legislative bodies calling for the DOT to commence a formal review of Skyway alternatives:
- 9/6/05 The Cheektowaga Town Board
- 9/6/05 The Village of Hamburg Board of Trustees
- 9/6/05 The Village of Angola Board of Trustees
- 9/7/05 The Evans Town Board
- 9/19/05 The West Seneca Town Board
- 9/15/05 The Erie County Legislature
- 9/20/05 The Common COuncil of the City of Buffalo
- 9/20/05 The Hamburg Town Board