In 2015, Charles Buki, the lead author of the ErieRefocused Comprehensive Plan told us that Erie has the potential to be a thriving city, but . . . unless the needs and preferences of residents, pedestrians and bicyclists are prioritized, “the City of Erie’s shoreline” will remain one of the "most “squandered” assets in America.
Part of PennDOT’s Bayfront Highway project to support commuters and visitors who want to “cut through” Erie while enjoying a water view
PennDOT’s Bayfront Project ignores ErieRefocused! As Micheal Fuhrman wrote in January 2019, PennDOT is trying to solve the wrong problem. PennDOT’s Bayfront Project is designed to connect I-79, I-90, Rt. 290 and suburban traffic in a giant loop around and through the City of Erie instead of following Buki’s advice: create an iconic connection from the city to the water that prioritizes pedestrians and bicyclists.
Via the BUILD grant, Rep. Mike Kelly, is helping to fund a highway that will sever the city from the water. By constructing massive, double-lane roundabouts, an underpass and “highway style” exits, ramps and signs, PennDOT hopes to achieve their #1 Level of Service - a roadway where no vehicle ever stops.
While PennDOT’s vision makes sense for an interstate, it is lunacy for a city street. A Boulevard with narrower lanes, trees and frequent intersections promote economic development, public health and attract new residents who are essential to the city’s future.
Illustration by MJH Design / Commission & Vision by CIVITAS.
PennDOT’s Bayfront Project will cause more Eastside harm. PennDOT’s Bayfront Project is expected to add 10,000 vehicles a day to the Rt. 290 Eastside Bayfront “Connector.” Now that the Viaduct is down, the “Connector” arterial highway route is the only way for the impoverished, minority residents (including school children) pf 16503 to get over the railroad tracks.
The demolition of the Viaduct, and PennDOT’s Bayfront Highway are contemporary examples of Redlining and Structural Racism.