YourErie Jet24/Fox66 interviews Attorney Filippi, Architect Trott and Councilman Horton at Viaduct

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At today's press conference at the McBride Viaduct, Attorney Rick Filippi, former Mayor of Erie, describes the planned demolition as "a decision made by engineers." He noted that an injunction "is a tool of last resort" that cannot save the bridge unless the City begins to "think more creatively."

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Architect Adam Trott, the President of ErieCPR, the citizens group spearheading the effort to save the Viaduct reported "we have 1.7M right out the gate to fix the bridge" and that through matching grants, that money "can be leveraged to 3.4M" which is $400,000 more than is needed to repair the Viaduct for non-vehicular use.  

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The Viaduct is located in the heart of the Eastside of the City, a key part of Erie County District 2 which is represented by Councilman Andre' Horton, the first African-American to serve on County Council. Councilman Horton said "we owe a discussion to the public" about the Viaduct.

http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/injunction-filed-to-push-back-demolition-of-mcbride-viaduct/881293889

PennDOT reports over $1.7M is available to save Viaduct

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During a closed-door, two-hour meeting at the Port Authority on Wednesday afternoon, 12.13.17, representatives from the City and ErieCPR were startled to learn from a PennDOT representative that the amount of money available to rehab the Viaduct has grown a half million, from $1.2M to $1.7, and that that figure may go higher.

However, even the higher figure of $1.7M leaves a gap of $1.3M that must be met to raise the $3.M needed to fix the Viaduct for continued use as a non-vehicular bridge. Luckily, incoming Mayor Joe Sinnott already plans to hire a full-time grant writer which will create an opportunity for the City to use PennDOT's  $1.7M to partner with the County and other organizations to apply for matching grants in support of public health, safe routes to school, place-making, social-justice, economic development and infrastructure improvements.

In addition, Councilman Andre' Horton noted at at the 12.14.17 news conference at the Viaduct, that, if Councilman Jay Breneman's proposed legislation to create a county-wide "pot" of money for municipal improvements passes at the December 19 County Council meeting, at least a part of the balance needed to repair the Viaduct for continued non-vehicular use may be available locally. 

But there are hurdles to overcome. As PennDOT noted, and as Attorney Rick Filippi has stated, the ultimate fate of the Viaduct is a political one. The City of Erie's highest elected officials must be willing to keep the Viaduct. To save the Viaduct, our new Mayor and Council must embrace a vision of a future, thriving Erie and work creatively with other organizations to transform this city instead of continuing to "manage the decline."

O'Neill reports Viaduct Injunction Delayed as Talks Continue on Public Hearing

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Erie Times-News reporter Madeleine O'Neill covered the news conference organized by ErieCPR Connect+Respect at the McBride Viaduct, 11am, Dec. 14, 2017 featuring remarks by ErieCPR President, architect Adam Trott,  ErieCPR Vice-President Beary Clark, Community Leader Cynthia Muhammad, Rev. Charles Mock - Pastor of Community Baptist Church, NAACP Erie President Gary Horton, Erie County Councilman Andre' Horton and former Erie Mayor, Attorney Rick Filippi. Attorney Filippi is representing the community of Eastside residents and businesses and their supporters in ErieCPR who are calling for a transparent public hearing to address issues of cost and safety surrounding the planned demolition of the Viaduct. 

http://www.goerie.com/news/20171214/erie-mcbride-viaduct-backers-will-delay-court-action

Sisters of Mercy Endorse Public Hearing for McBride Viaduct

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December 13, 2017 - For release:

"The Sisters of Mercy in Erie, PA support a public hearing on the McBride Viaduct as a pedestrian walkway.  Those who would be most affected by the demolition would be those who walk and seek a safe, direct route."  

House of Mercy, 2005 Woodlawn Ave. Erie, PA  16510

Mission:  The House of Mercy promotes a healthy neighborhood by providing activities and advocacy that  engage adults and children in positive experiences. . .

12.4.17 "Don't they care about the safety of the children?"

This YourErie story on Monday morning's "Kids Safety March" includes an interview with Eastsider Cynthia Muhammad, CEO of Erie Black Metropolitan Yellow Pages, who noted that many youth rely on the McBride Viaduct to get to school every day. 

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Minority youth walking to school , 8:00am, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017.

Minority youth walking to school , 8:00am, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017.

http://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/mcbride-viaduct-safety-concerns-continue/874738207

12.4.17 Dozens turn out for today's KIDS SAFETY MARCH

Protesters gather at dangerous E.12th and highway intersection. (Image - GoErie.)

Protesters gather at dangerous E.12th and highway intersection. (Image - GoErie.)

Three dozen supporters, most walking, one with a bike and a few volunteers driving, gathered for an early-morning non-violent protest starting at the north end of the Viaduct that featured protesters moving from corner to corner of the dangerous E.12th and East Ave. intersection. Some cars ignored folks in the crosswalk and made quick right turns on red, forcing pedestrians to WATCH OUT. Doris C commented on the high level of fumes along Rt.290 resulting in her feeling sick and getting a headache within a few minutes. A daily exposure of auto exhaust isn't good for public health, and, will not help Eastside children on their way to school.

Protesters bring attention to dangerous intersection. (Image - Lisa Austin)

Protesters bring attention to dangerous intersection. (Image - Lisa Austin)

Peaceful protesters listen to instructions from NAACP President Gary Horton. (Image - GoErie.)

Peaceful protesters listen to instructions from NAACP President Gary Horton. (Image - GoErie.)

Beary Clark (WERG's "Mailman") says that walking over the Viaduct is safer than the highway. (Image - GoErie).

Beary Clark (WERG's "Mailman") says that walking over the Viaduct is safer than the highway. (Image - GoErie).

Protesters protesting peacefully including Councilman Andre' Horton (far right) and Rev. Charles Mock, to the left of Horton. (Image - Lisa Austin)

Protesters protesting peacefully including Councilman Andre' Horton (far right) and Rev. Charles Mock, to the left of Horton. (Image - Lisa Austin)

Marshmallows & Music on the Viaduct

Members of the community turn out for an event Saturday to have some fun on the McBride Viaduct and show just one way the bridge could be repurposed to serve Erie residents.  The bridge located alone East Avenue in Erie has long been a point of contention between residents who want to save the bridge and City Council who has voted to demolish the ailing structure. 
     
Hundreds of people living on Erie's east side use the McBride Viaduct several times a week to get to and from work and school.  Taking the bridge away would mean longer, less safe journeys for all who utilize this path.  

     At the event held Saturday some shared their thoughts on why the bridge should be saved.  The next event planned to help raise awareness on the issue is scheduled for Monday, December 4th at 7:45am during the time in which many middle school students use the bridge to get to school.  Anyone wising to participate should meet at the north end of the bridge near East 12th and East Avenue. 

 

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