Both sides see a better Peace Bridge project as debate continues; environmental review ending

      Changes to plans for a large truck plaza in Buffalo that has dominated the debate over a new Peace Bridge has produced some support among its detractors, but others say they will continue the fight to preserve the Prospect Hill historic district and Columbus Park area. The changes are the result of public hearings held in 2007, and include a reduction in the number of homes to be taken for the project t0 108 from 120, according to a story in the Buffalo News.

      The nearly $20 million environmental review for the new bridge that has taken a decade is nearing its end, according to the Peace Bridge Authority and the State Department of Transportation. The newspaper quotes Marie A. Corrado, director of major projects for state DOT as saying, "Part of what we're doing is creating a green ribbon around the plaza in order to protect the park and the neighborhood from the plaza."

      Others maintain their opposition to the project, including Kathleen Mecca, president of the Niagara Gateway Columbus Park Association, who said "This is the wrong project in the wrong place. It doesn't belong here. Anything of this magnitude cannot fit into an urban setting."

      Read the entire Buffalo News piece at: