Skyway Removal
In July 2005, the Western New York Coalition for Progress issued a
report and set of recommendations concerning the use of public
funding to make infrastructure improvements in support of a Bass Pro
store in the Memorial Auditorium.
In that report, we advocated for the removal of the Skyway between
downtown Buffalo and the outer harbor.
We renew that request, finding that the recent activity and
announcements concerning the renovation and revitalization of the
Erie Canal Terminal area underscore the need for the demolition of
the dangerous and unsightly eyesore that is the Skyway. It is
imperative that the Skyway be replaced with an at-grade crossing.
Demolition of the Skyway will not only open up additional waterfront
land for appropriate development, but will allow the inner and outer
harbors to be properly connected, not split apart as they are today,
by a key roadway.
Removal of the Skyway will go a long way toward ensuring that the
inner harbor area lives up to its full potential as a tourist draw.
