That was the answer when someone in the crowd (last evening at Boomerang’s) asked why the Ambassador Bridge Group had not been marketing the project in Buffalo. “We’ve been moving the plan forward, and we’ve been purchasing properties in Black Rock with the intentions of building an International Rail Corridor between the US and Canada.” When asked what the Canadian side thought about an American company owning the privately owned bridge, the answer was, “That’s not true. The company is a partnership with an American and Canadian ownership.” When asked why the Public Bridge Authority discounted this location entirely, the response was, “Why would they discount it while they were purchasing parcels of land to try to stop us from building our bridge with $290-300 million private sector dollars… the real question is… why would you want to destroy an historic neighborhood when there’s an alternative solution that uses brownfield land?”
The Ambassador Bridge Group has already secured 50%-60% of the land that they need to move forward… and as of yet the land purchased by the PBA has not thwarted their efforts. The group first looked at the project in 1999, which is interesting because, when asked why it has taken this long to pick up speed, they answered with ‘due diligence – purchasing of land, traffic studies, environmental impact, politics, etc.’. As far as the Ambassador Bridge Group is concerned, they are building the bridge, and The City will a much larger dollar figure to add to its future tax rolls… along with a ton of private sector investments. Plus, if all goes well, there will be another bridge option for cars and trucks that will alleviate truck traffic on the Peace Bridge, and hopefully save an historic neighborhood at the same time.
To further examine the roadway connections, the plaza plans, etc. feel free to download the PDF from the Ambassador Niagara Bridge Project.
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com