Erie City Council boldly tabled, then removed from their Agenda a Resolution that would have given permission for PennDOT to proceed with their plans to expand the Bayfront roadway. Here is the issue at hand - this PennDOT’s massive project was set to be reviewed via NEPA Environmental Assessment and Public Hearing. However, in March, PennDOT applied for, and was granted a NEPA CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION - CE, a lesser environmental study that doesn’t include a Public Hearing. CE’s are normally granted for bridge repairs or road repaving. CE’s must have little or no environmental impact and must not be controversial. How is it possible to claim that doubling waterfront traffic (in part by encouraging drivers to cut-through Erie by removing intersections with double-lane roundabouts, an underpass and highway style exit ramps, exits and signage) will not impact the environment? How can PennDOT claim their project isn’t controversial?
PLEASE email Erie City Council and PennDOT to insist on a full ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT and Public Hearing before allowing PennDOT to proceed:
City Council President James Winarski jwinarski@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Liz Allen lallen@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Dave Brennan dbrennan@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Ed Brzezinski ebrzesinski@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Michael Keys mkeys@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Kathy Schaaf kschaaf@erie.pa.us
City Council-member Mel Witherspoon mwitherspoon@erie.pa.us