On Sunday, March 21, over 100 City of Erie residents of gathered along the Frontier Park neighborhood to challenge the City Engineer’s plan to address the long-neglected, century-old Kahkwa Boulevard Bridge by constructing a new road bypassing the bridge. The proposed route, marked with stakes, is through a dramatic wooded ravine just west of Rosemont Avenue.
Fearful of the danger to residents who regularly walk and ride bikes in this side-walk-less neighborhood and upset by visions of large vehicles overtaking the community’s narrow, winding streets, those who spoke offered concern about the environment and the loss of old-growth trees and animals including owls and foxes. They spoke of the road’s impact on assessments and the resulting loss of city revenue.
Others complained about the secretive nature of this process. The City Engineer’s subsequent claims of transparency, engagement with residents , and statement that “no decisions have been made” were contradicted by several members of the public - and a member of City Council.
It is worth noting that the City Engineer has a troubling track record in planning. His willful disregard for the Eastside community’s need for the McBride Viaduct (2013-2019), and for City Hall’s failure to address the community’s loud rejection of a Bayfront Highway (2019-2021) This flawed planning led to Federal Lawsuits in 2019 and 2020.
Will Westside residents be forced to take legal action to tame the Robert-Moses-”clone” in City Hall?