The Scajaquada Corridor Coalition (SCC) is asking for help from supporters who want to see the expressway’s 2003 Highway Functional Classification reclassified. The SCC believes that the proactive move would send a signal to the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC), that the community is serious about establishing and maintaining downgrading efforts that many residents have been calling for in recent weeks. A pending change in designation is underway, and public comments in support of reclaiming the park could prove to be crucial in the designation’s outcome.
The comment deadline is July 28th. Comments need to be sent to staff@gbnrtc.org or called in at 716-856-2026.
Below is a form letter that can be used to outline the letter – simply add your name.
RE: Public Notice – Resolution 2015-11
To whom it may concern,
With regards to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plans to change the Highway Functional Classification of NY Route 198 from NHS/Principal Arterial Expressway (FC 12) to NHS/Principal Arterial Other (FC 14). I (or your organization) would like to offer my support for the reclassification of the NY Route 198 to a functional classification that will enable the NYSDOT to construct short term design measures that achieve the community goal stated below. This list of goals were developed by the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition in conversation with the community, affirmed by the bricks and mortar institutions and signed onto by over 2000 individuals through a petition on Assemblyman Sean Ryan’s and Parent’s for a Safe Delaware Park’s websites, they are to:
- Apply all proven traffic calming techniques to the project area to establish a 30 mph design speed, and create a safe and more accessible urban boulevard.
- Identify additional opportunities for public access crossing the Scajaquada via bicycle and pedestrian.
- Include adequate crosswalks with the appropriate safe crossing treatments.
- Improve the Parkside and Scajaquada intersection to provide a safe pedestrian crossing for the neighborhood and students from Medaille College; current alternatives do not adequately address this issue.
- Employ roadway design and landscape restoration to minimize the intrusion of vehicle travel through the historic landscape of Delaware Park to the greatest extent possible.
- Improve the Main Street intersection at the Scajaquada for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. Improved access to and exit from the Route 198 corridor at Main Street is a critical part of improvements within the entire corridor. All pedestrian crossings do not meet the state standard for safety.
- Create a complete street that accommodates all roadway users, including vehicles, commuting bicyclists, recreational bicyclists, recreational joggers, and walkers.
- Create on-street bike lanes and pedestrian walkways connecting to the citywide network.
- Establish gateways within each end of the corridor honoring the historical significance of this area by creating a welcoming and inspiring user experience.
- Treat storm water runoff naturally throughout the entire Scajaquada corridor.
- Improve ingress/egress from Delaware Park and other facilities.
- Establish a long-term maintenance plan with all stakeholders and agencies.
- Coordinate with NFTA to leverage additional investment as a way to encourage alternative modes of transportation and integrate the corridor into the existing metro system.
- Identify opportunities for additional street connections.
This reclassification is a critical first step in setting up a process by which the Scajaquada Expressway can be converted into a transportation facility that operates in a safe manner and in greater harmony with the surrounding community character that provides for the restoration of Olmsted’s Delaware Park.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
Photo: Parents For A Safe Delaware Park – Facebook