Ambassador Bridge Group Shows Its Cards
"One of my neighbors who has property in their (the Ambassador Bridge Group) way wanted to know if I had made the deal with Buffalo State College yet. My neighbor has been hanging onto his property in the hopes that the bridge group will buy it. He's dealing with a big real estate company that has been retained by the Ambassador Group. I was contacted a couple years ago and said that I was not interested. Of course they can still build a bridge without my footprint... but my property sits right adjacent to where they would build the plaza. I have ten acres of land for sale and there are a lot of different directions that I could go with the property. This is just another interesting development. There is even a third party interested in my land... there was a deal that was on the table that is not dead yet... that's why I want to know what Buffalo State is thinking. I would prefer to sell my property to Buffalo State College... that would be the best fit for this land, and it would be best move for the community. Of course if the Ambassador Bridge moves forward I would also be willing to hear what sort of offers they are putting out for the land."
At the end of the day, there is still the dilemma as to what is best for Black Rock. As we have seen (see The Stip's post), the plaza proposal in that neighborhood would seriously alter the landscape Black Rock. Then there is the battle to save a historic neighborhood surrounding the Peace Bridge (see Seven to Save post). According to an Associated Press article, "The State Department will accept written comments on the Ambassador group's permit application until April 28." In coming weeks, the Ambassador Bridge Group will be meeting with state and federal officials to discuss the proposed plans.
Comment Options
SLEEPL8
Would the Peace Bridge remain or be removed if the Abassador Bridge is built?
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sbrof
Until there is a shared boarder treaty there isn't any option worth pursuing. They have merit with this idea but all you are going to do is move the asthma out of one neighborhood and into another. Also this idea / proposal should not get rid of the option to move the highway inland along the railroad tracks. If they took a stand and said they supported such a move then I would think that is a better win win for the neighborhood overall. Take a plaza, but regain your waterfront.
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sbrof
The peace bridge would stay and become a car only bridge with its own plaza and neighborhood destroying effects. If you could persuade the PBA to significantly scale back their plaza proposals THEN again this makes more sense. But having two large 911 scale plazas on the west side instead of one is an issue.
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rb66
Right next to the sewage plant. Welcome to Buffalo.
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Sal
I like the contemporary arch design.
Do any of the 439 or so elected politicians support the Ambassador Bridge Group's efforts? I know we've lost Senator Clinton to the campaign trail, but where is everyone else?
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somewhereGreen
I assume that in addition to submitting to US Department of state the Ambassador group has also filed the appropriate paperwork with the appropriate Canadian officials?
Does anyone have documentation on this specific filing aside from this BR story?
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chris69
the truck bidge needs to be in grand island...other than that unless there is shared border managment its not worth it
also with the expansion of rail, we need the international railroad bridge
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Spaulding97
For the love, just build a bridge already! There are more and more Canadians coming over to spend their cash, the more the better. The easier for them to come over, the more often they'll come. Makes sense huh? Better get this going before their dollar drops and then we'll miss out cause of stupid political crap.
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mjman4
so would they dump all of that truck traffic onto the 198? if you think that road is bad now try dumping a thousand 18 wheelers onto it daily...
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Hoss
1000 18 wheelers per day is an understatement. Last year, there were 1,310,359 (both ways) truck crossings at the peace bridge according to the Peace Bridge Authority http://www.peacebridge.com/traffic.php
If even half of these trucks were to travel down the 198, it would be devastating. The air quality through this corridor would be horrendous. Any bit of tranquility that exists in Delaware park would be decimated. Though I bet one could get a better deal on a Nottingham Terrace home. Too bad the money saved would be spent on Asthma inhalers.
Aren't they planning on downgrading the 198 as it is?
Anyone read the Buffalo Business First article? http://buffalo.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2008/02/04/daily33.html?jst=b_ln_hl
The first paragraph is interesting...
"Local officials say a permit filed by a private sector group that wants to build an international crossing between Fort Erie and Buffalo is nothing more than a ploy aimed at delaying the Peace Bridge expansion project."
Why are they (Ambassador group) wanting to delay the Peace Bridge expansion?
At least it seems our local Politicos are not backing the Ambassador plan. It will be interesting to see what happens when the payola starts flying around.
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sbrof
it is currently and will continue to be illegal for trucks passing through the city to take the Scajaquada.
They were booted from it years ago. Trucks from this bridge would head either north or south on the 190 to get to wherever they are going.
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Hoss
By the way, 1,310,359 truck crossings a day equals
3,590 per day
150 per hour
2.49 per minute.
That's every minute, of every day of the year. Though to be fair, they'd probably run less frequent at night and weekends, therefore doubling up during the weekdays.
Anybody up for some tennis?
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blackrocklifer
Ambassador is attempting to exploit the discontent with the peace bridge plan. They do not have the support of the Black Rock or Bridgeburg communities. They have a very poor relationship in the Detroit-Winsdor area they presently operate in and in fact have a history of disrupting and dismantling these neighborhoods. Ambassador has held a huge parcel hostage for almost 10 years, let buff state or some other beneficial developement take place.
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xosder
The truck traffic would head west on Rte 198 from the plaza and catch the I-190 corridor, just as they do now coming off the Peace Bridge. It puts the plaza in a vacant industrial corridor instead of a neighborhood. Who would argue with that?
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EAM
says blackrocklifer: "They have a very poor relationship in the Detroit-Winsdor area they presently operate in and in fact have a history of disrupting and dismantling these neighborhoods."
Just substitute Public Bridge Autority for Detroit-Windsor !!
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BuffaloRox
sbrof - Why do you think that trucks have been kicked off the 198. That's not the case. I see trucks driving on the 198 and see no signs prohibiting trucks on the 198.
xosder - Past ABG renderings have shown that the ABG will tie into 198 in at least one direction (I think it is eastbound). They are being very secretive and ABG renderings fail to show the footprint. I think people are deluding themselves if they think ABG doesn't want to tie into the 198.
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sbrof
xosder.. sure the land they are going to put the plaza on is old industrial but looking at their previous renderings one can see that the plaza is going to be so big that it will still abut neighboring residential parcels on most sides. It isn't going to be this isolated plaza surrounded like more fallow lands. So this plaza.. just like the PBA's plaza is going to have a residential neighborhood across the street bearing the brunt of property value loss, health consequences, noise and traffic.
Unless we get something out of the Ambassador deal like I mentioned in my earlier posts it is just creating the same problems as the current PB Plaza just in a second additional location.
PB defiled Front Park - AB wants to defile Squaw Island Park. PB pollutes the west side - AB wants to pollute Black Rock.
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joey
UNLESS all the anti AB SUPPORTERS CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER USE FOR THE CURRENTLY HORRIFIC PLOT of land where the staging and crossing areas will be SITUATED WITH the same !! or more TAX base and sorrounding growth that this project will create...SAVE your protests for the next hotel or demo on Elmwood Ave. Despite some loss of comfort in the neighborhood, this project will be an economical shot in the arm and will surely spur sorrounding development. Buff STATE seems content with sitting on their hands and seem to be waiting for something on a silver platter to be handed to them. GRANT st./ DART ST is a diamond in the rough for the college if it would only BOOST THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR AREA BUSINESS'...BUT THE ADMINISTRATOR SEEMS CONTENT WITH BUSINESS AS USUAL and the neighborhoods are slowly dying. AT LEAST THE BRIDGE GROUP is looking for no TAXPAYER HANDOUTS. It seems no wonder why developers seem skeptical of any projects proposed will ever come to fruit....GEE , WONDER WHY.....AND YOU ASK ?? WHYN ARE THE BILLS' LOOKIN TO LEAVE FOR TORONTO?? DUHH!!?
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chris69
whats wrong with Grand Island? Grand Island is perfect for a bridge and truck plaza.
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ElmwoodBoy
The only way this project MIGHT be acceptable to the neighboring Black Rock and Riverside area is if the plaza is located on a northern spur up the railway towards Tonawanda. A newly located plaza there, coupled with resetting the I-190 along this same railroad right-of-way, would allow the existing I-190 to be removed from the waterfront and reconnecting the Niagara River to Riverside.
It is interesting to note that the Canadian side of the ABG proposal does have a remote plaza several miles up an existing rail corridor as it ties into the QEW. If it is good enough for Canada why can't we have it here?
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Hoss
Other than doughnut shops, diesel fuel, and hookers, what kind of economic shot in the arm are you talking about?
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BAEagen
There is absolutely no way you can see the renderings for the Ambassador Plaza and believe that It isn't going to impact the Black Rock neighborhood.
There's a meeting Monday night, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Polish Cadet Hall on Grant and Amherst Streets. Al Capola is supposed to be speaking. I think EVERYbody should be at this meeting.
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NewBuffalo
JUST BUILD SOMETHING BEFORE I DIE!
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joey
WHAT WILL AL COPOLLA DO ?...MOVE THE PAN AM HOUSE TO TOANAWANDA ST??????
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blackrocklifer
Joey what are you thinkin- That site is not developed because Ambassador sat on it for 9 YEARS, Canisius College wanted it for athletic fields but AB bought using a shell corp "golf & recreation inc". Truck bridges dont bring growth (just look at the area at the Peace bridge) just dangerous levels of air pollution (not "some loss of comfort")
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impressingagent
why build a new bridge in a bad location? the arches just mock the neighborhood like a tacky pair of shoes.
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al-alo
put it up in kenmore.
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RisingDamp666
What a grotesque design for a bridge! Even Cold War Eastern Europe produced more inspired bridges. There's one in Bratislava that compares quite favorably with this hideous piece of Spitzer. Enough already! Stop the bulldozers, fire the designers and abolish the PBA. You want your "canadians with their loonies"? Go to Lewiston!
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DumpsterKid
The only open waterfront space on grand island left is a section on the north side but Navy Island sits between it and Canada. And according to Google maps the island which has nothing on it whatsoever is a "national historic site".
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sbrof
actually I was looking at grand island the other day and it could be built as a spur off the 190 from the landing area across from tonawanda, following powerlines straight across the island and pop it out at the end. Sure a couple homes would have to come down but far fewer than on the West side. And since around the powerlines is still mostly wooded areas all the fumes and pollution will become only a problem for the animals that are left.
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viking
I live and work adjacent to the proposed bridge site, myself and my neighbors would rather have the bridge infrastructure and facilities, than what is there now. The area proposed is industrial waste land and currently serves to facilitate crime and other quality of life issues. Any legal activity is better than the illegal activity going on now. The situation of our business today depends on people making us a destination, the bridge proposal would put potential customers right at the front door of all the service business of my area. A chance at an economic shot in the arm is better for this area, than the degrade caused by the lack of economic incentives. The negative comments of most are from people with no real stake in the Black Rock area, If any college would be interested in the area, that would be better yet, but in the mean time the Ambassador Group is putting it's money where it's mouth is, all the rest is just bull shit.
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MJWorthington
We don't need either of these. Expand in Lewiston for trucks.
Don't pave over our front lawn and water front to allow more trucks to just drive right through it.
All bridges should be handed over to one merged governing body allocating space on all 4 bridges as necessary to handle the task of border crossings. With expansions for trucks at locations like lewiston that are not in the heart of a densely developed area.
Buffalo (Peace Bridge) should be auto based like the Rainbow Bridge. Any truck coming to Buffalo anyways could go from the QEW, through Lewiston, and down the 190 to the metro area or bypass it entirely by 290->90 on its way to whatever further destination it has.
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blackrocklifer
Viking - I am a 6th generation Black Rock resident and have spent years working to improve our area. Our block club built the park at Amherst and Niagara and converted the Amherst-Tonawanda traffic islands to greenspace. We are presently working to create A "Black Rock Historic District" to encourage positive development. I know most of the neighborhood activists as well as my neighbors and NONE support this bridge. Many of them say they will probably move if this is built leaving Black Rock to become a truck plaza. Again there is no spinoff developement from a truck bridge. Do a little research as we have done . I am sure you would not want to live or work around 10,000 diesel trucks per day
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ElmwoodBoy
I disagree strongly with viking that "...my neighbors would rather have the bridge infrastructure and facilities, than what is there now..." The Greater Deaborn Community Association just had Phil Haberstro from the Wellness Institute at their monthly meeting to implement plans to make the neighborhood more pedestrain accesible and conducive to families with children.
Bridge plaza and facilities are better put remote from the crossing and the waterfrront. Put them inland and funnel all the traffic to the I-290. Free up the land wqhere the I-190 currently is and re-connect Riverside to the Niagara River.
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joey
ELMWOODBOY...and what tax and job producing development do you have proposed for this desolate row of buildings. I see no one else rushing in to propose any other viable project. WOULD YOU rather see this area sit as it has for the last ten plus years, because that is basically what will happen! Perhaps if those anti's who have no stake in this neighborhood would butt out and find something better for their time..and those who do, embrace what will evolve and work with the developer to fine tune and bring about compromise so that this turns into a win win situation. JUST LOOK at the corner of Elmwood and Forest..where the proposed hotel project was once a dream...TIME has stood still there...except for the continued deterioration of the buildings that were to be demo'd. PERHAPS we could call them museums and charge admission , because that is the best that will occur at this corner. THE ANTI'S WON...and the city and it's neighborhood lost, for the sake of a few. This is exactly what will happen here if AB does not go thru with this plan. Amherst st. is slowly rejuvinating. Traffic has increased considerably and some business' are starting to flourish. The area is starting to come alive. This project is only part of the puzzle to bring BR and GA alive again.
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NBJOHN
Oh how I yearn for leadership and for someone to make a decision in this City/State - I will leave the county out for now. Collins still seems to be doing some decent things....
Not everyone will be happy with any outcome
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viking
The corner of Tonawanda and Amherst is in part a dumping ground and the drug activity in the area has been host to gang activity as has been cited in the press and on TV. The efforts of the people who try to beautify the area is appreciated for providing a pleasant entry to the area, but is wasted because of the rest of the scenery. Your right, if the bridge is built, the people in that area will move, because their homes will have been purchased by the Company building the Bridge, they're in the footprint. We own a service business and know from experience, that construction of this magnitude will stimulate businesses which function close by and bring new customers. We in the area are use to the trucks and trains they both been here for ever and the former industrial plants were far worse than what is being proposed now. I'm sure those lucky enough to be in your shoes will be better off than those who could lose their homes to the eminent domain situation at the Peace Bridge site.
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xosder
We don't like the bridge design over the I-190? My God, you are looking at a rendering of a crossing, most likely one of 10. If you need a bridge to feel better about yourself or your community, you probably should go elsewhere. Want cable stayed....plenty of places to go...everybody has them just like granite countertops. They aren't special or even state of the art.
Also, there is an interesting question about Cable Stayed Structures in the Northeast that nobody wants to answer....what happens when the deck is shot from road salt, being a primary component to the structure it's really not that simple to replace. Boston is getting bit by their maintenance responsibilities on their Cable Stayed right now.
Is anyone ever FOR anything here. The reason no one has done anything with the site proposed by the Ambassador Group is because it sucks. Wipe it out and make it a plaza for their US link.
Traffic on the 198...Why in the world would all these truck head Eastbound from the West Side and disrupt traffic heading to downtown? That's not where they are going. They are linking with the I-190 to the I-90 or Rte 5.
Additionally, the section of Rte 198 that we are discussing is not going to have a tree lined median - It is all elevated as it currently exists.
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blackrocklifer
Joey- no one is rushing in to develop this area because Ambassador has kept it a desolate wasteland for the past 9 years. There has been past and present interest in this parcel but it is not for sale. A hotel on Elmwood does not compare to a dirty diesel truck plaza and would end any progress on Amherst st. Viking- Maybe we should go after the abentee owner (ambassador) of this dumping ground/ drug activity area and hold them accountable. As a buisness owner I am sure if your property was used this way you would be expected to act. I live here in a beautiful home surrounded by good neighbors and have no intention of allowing a for profit out of state corp. decide what is best for MY COMMUNITY
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viking
No one is rushing to develop the area because there is no interest in it, wrong, I personally know of a couple of projects that are currently being pursued in the immediate neighborhood. Replacing toxic material using and producing businesses , along with the transportation that supported them (trucks & trains) with a activity that brings commerce to the area is good news not bad. The fears that are being advanced about this proposal don't compare to what we now have or what was there in the past. The area in question was mixed use, heavy industrial and residential, families lived and worked in a much more maligned condition and from all accounts were proud of it.
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blackrocklifer
The fears being advanced are REAL. Diesel exhaust is a well documented health threat, not just a nuisance. The 10,000 trucks per day Ambassador has planned would envelope my neighborhood in a cloud of diesel exhaust and plume out over all of northwest Buffalo. I grew up around the factories on that site and they were small potatoes compared to what this project would do to the liveability of our area. No truck plazas should ever be built in a residential area and this part of Buffalo is densely populated. Could you imagine the uproar if AB proposed to build in any suburban location. Why would any city even want a truck bridge? It does not bring any developement at all, just look at porter ave or go to Detroit as I have, the area around AB is a wasteland. Truckers do not stop but continue down the highway and even if they did get off where would they park? Dont be fooled by Ambassadors slick PR campaign, they are only here to make money at the expense of OUR COMMUNITY
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bridgepro
Unless the Canadian lawmakers change the law that gives the Peace Bridge Authority a 6 mile no-build zone to protect its interests, and allows a roadway to be built from the QEW through the historic section of Ft. Erie, the ABG is just blowing smoke.
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carlmalone
Isn't the easy answer to deconstruct all the bridges in our region? Althoguh commerce would be slightly impacted, Olmstead would no longer be turning over in his grave, unless of course he gets wind of the Gates Tower proposal, then Olmstead would really be angry.
We must do everything we can do to make sure Olmsetad does not roll in his grave, Olmstead, Olmstead, Olmstead, Olmstead...ditto...ditto...ditto.
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gaustad
Carl - too funny -
Isn't it strange how some people in Buffalo have a strong desire to live through the eyes of a dead architect? Think about it.....
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joey
ONLY IN BUFFALO...does time stand still!!
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viking
Drugs must be the problem --- TEN THOUSAND trucks a day-- you got to be kidding. Second of all , the truck freight will be on trains, only local freight will be transferred with tractors. Each train may hold a hundred a trailers, but no tractors. Even if the transfer yard was on the Buffalo side most of the movement would be by rail. CSX is part of this deal, why do you think. Read the forecast of CSX to it's stockholders, maybe then you'll get the part of the picture not shown yet. Please do the numbers, the ones quoted are flawed. Get your heads out of your ------ Buffalo\ Black Rock needs to take advantage of it's assets and location is the prime potential, East , West commerce made Buffalo, North, South commerce can revitalize it.
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blackrocklifer
Ambassador has no plans of using rail this is a TRUCK BRIDGE. you are misinformed, I have been at every public meeting since this began and was part of a group that followed and researched Ambassador. The 10,000 trucks a day was Ambassadors own projection, You need to do a some research before you comment. Black Rock is a prime waterfront location and is ripe for positive developement, something a truck plaza can never bring.
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viking
What part of this plan effects the water access, and do the math, unless the freight is on train cars the line to feed that kind of flow would stretch back to Hamilton, 24/7. There is a plan to build a bridge but I believe it's not the one shown. Truck Bridge, can mean used primarily to transport truck trailers, I've done the research now do some yourself. The original plans called for a presence that goes all the way to Hertel from Amherst and borders Military, also encompassing all the rail right of way and adjacent property. Think out of the box, read the prospectus and then use your imagination as to how the information you've acquired can fit the geography. Do I believe that all the information presented is totally complete -- no, and neither should you.
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viking
Todays problem with train commerce is the International Bridge allows only traffic in one direction at a time, and the space to collect and assemble the train proper isn't currently adequate, let alone transfer freight trailers from one train to another for regional disbursement. The picture being presented is a small part of a bigger plan to deal with cross border commerce. Think of the advantages of putting freight on rail being made more so by energy and labor factors increasing all the time. Then think of the problems solved by having only limited people with access to what is being transported and inspected. If the pieces fall into place, from the puzzling information presented , all these current problems are solved. Except dealing with those trying to cash in on the plan for what ever reason.
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blackrocklifer
It is obvious to all who have followed this project thay you have not done your homework. Ambassador has only ONE plan for a trucks only bridge and a mammoth multi level plaza that would dump all these trucks onto the 190/198 interchange (already a choke point). I dont think you understand how many of us feel . This is our home, where we raise our children and where our extended families reside. We work hard to hang on to our community and though it is far from perfect, it is OURS. Why should we stand aside and allow others to determine our future. Some may only think of ways to cash in, but others have pride and care about the coommunity first.
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impressingagent
well i live in a tent under the peace bridge so i can't wait for constuction to start, it gets awfully boring during these yellow months of terrorist activity. Build the bridge, and stop complaining because everything is only perfect in towns like east aurora, and thank god we have kennels of puppies to keep that photo of dick cheney on your lap.
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BlackRockAdvocate
Thats correct 10,000 diesel trucks per day AB made this statement more than once! You have to realize that this bridge company is a 24/7 business and as a business they will try to maximize there profits do you believe that they will turn any trucks away and close the bridge for the day because they reached a certain # of trucks? viking as a business owner do you turn pepole away because you have reached a magic # for the day ? I don't . This is a TRUCKS ONLY bridge if you drive a car you are not allowed to use this proposed bridge this does not make BR/R a destination but a truck plaza for truck inspection and processing while 10,000 idling trucks are being processed in a day these truck drivers are bunked up in there self contained rigs with all the provisions that one needs they will not leave or drive there trucks over to Tonawanda St for some lobster truck drivers are on a tight schedule. blackrocklifer you seem to speak from experience and not from your ass your post show that you have done your research. I myself am a 4th generation Black Rock resident business and property owner I'm active in my community on MANY levels and I to feel that this proposed project does not benefit our community in anyway .
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blackrocklifer
For more information about Ambassador Bridge Company see the following--A Forbes magazine article critical of Ambassadors lack of cooperation with government and threat to safety and security "The Troll Under The Bridge" at www.Forbes.com An article about Ambassadors reputation for distrupting and dismantling the neighborhoods of Detroit/Winsdor at www.Buffaloreveiw.com Two websites maintained by neighborhoods in Detroit/Winsdor at www.bridgewatchdetroit.org and at www.windsornow.ca For dangers of diesel exhaust see the EPA website
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BlackRockAdvocate
"WOW" blackrocklifer thanks for that link to the forbes article here is the direct link http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/1115/134.html These are the same group of people that want to bridge over the rock ya ok you can keep your way of doing business. Mr viking if you READ the "TROLL" article you will see in printing that the Detroit crossing owned by AB has taken 10,000 diesel trucks across it's bridge per day and thats side by side with cars the proposed Niagara crossing would allow at least 10,000 soot admitting diesel trucks per day and arguably much more because it would be a TRUCKS ONLY bridge. Drugs are definitely your problem mr viking as I refuse to believe that one person could be that naive ! the opposition to this proposal is much more than saving a building on elmwood or a park it's about the future of a pepole and its community and not just 10-20-50 years from now but hundreds of years from now don't be selfish and think in the short term.That mistake was made in 1957 when the state put the thruway right through BR/R and doomed us. The misinformed pepole of that time believed that our area would prosper and proposed additional exits for the Niagara section of the New York State Thruway ....we see how that worked out! It's not as if we are going into this blind with little or no information just look at the lack of BENEFITS around the peace bridge, the area shit on around the Detroit crossing and our own Niagara section of the NYS thruway and it's negative affects . Have we learned nothing? B.R.A
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viking
Funny, I checked all the sites listed for more information and guess what, they don't exist, and in our business we do limit the amount of business we do, making sure those who patronize us get treated with the attention they deserve.
I say again you can't see the forest for the trees, this is a bigger picture than you realize. Mass transit is the way of the future, for moving people and transporting freight. Hybrid trucks aren't on the horizon, diesel trucks are becoming to expensive to utilize, water is too slow, planes too limited and expensive, that leaves only rail. Trucks may start the commercial exchange but rail will be the ultimate method. I'm not happy about the thruway either, but the 190 didn't chase the economic stimulus that supported the community away, changing times and conditions did.
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BlackRockAdvocate
The Ambassador Bridge Group is proposing to build a truck bridge not a railroad bridge or rail hub or an airport a truck bridge and a truck bridge only! They do not operate anything other than a truck bridge at there Detroit crossing The Ambassador is the largest volume toll crossing between the US and Canada. It is a 4-lane 1929 suspension span over the Detroit River between downtown Detroit and Windsor Ontario and carries about 9k trucks and 24k cars/day. A study suggests the bridge itself is at about three-quarters of capacity presently but that without additions traffic will be at close to 1.5 times capacity by 2030. Traffic is forecast to grow from the present 34k/day to 55k (1.7%/yr, 65%) of which trucks are due to grow from 9k to 21k (2.6%/yr, 118%). they have never proposed anything other then said truck bridge here nor there. Yes rail has always been the best most effective way to transport and the future IS in rail . Don't SPECULATE that a larger picture is on the horizon AB has no interest in anything other than a soot admitting 10,000 + truck per day diesel bridge . Why build a 300 Million dollar truck only bridge when "rail will be the ultimate method"........ thats just not good business I'd rather see a new train bridge next to the old one . Those that are new to the internet I'll walk you through searching for web sites first located at the top of your screen is what is called a address bar this you will use to take you to web pages that "don't exist" ok now highlight the address link that you wish to search for these begin with http:// by double clicking on it with the left mouse button, once it is all blue in color you are now ready to copy, this is done by right clicking the highlighted area a pop up screen now appears scroll to the word COPY and choose that option the address is now copied. Alright now go to the address bar at the top of your screen that I mentioned before this has to be clear so clear it of any address that may be in it now I'll wait......... ok ready now place your cursor over said address and right click chose PASTE and the copied address is now pasted, very good you are now ready to go to the web page that "don't exist" so here are a list of web addresses that "do exist". http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2004/1115/134.html . http://tollroadsnews.info/artman/publish/article_605.shtml .
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BetterThanDetroit
In the picture, the water is blue. Especially with the abundance of trucks crossing, will this not be the case. NEXT!!!
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blackrocklifer
Viking I am quite sure That FORBES MAGAZINE, THE RIVERSIDE REVEIW, AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY are still in buisness and do maintain websites. I do agree that rail is the way of the future and find common ground with you here even when you resort to advising people where to "get their head out of". There can be no compromise or accomadation with Ambassador as their poor reputation precedes them. Take some time to find out more about how they "do buisness" and maybe you will find that common ground with those of us who have.
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BlackRockAdvocate
Yes the water will remain blue.........but the air will be black. It's about time for ol Jimmy boy to chime in with his BS propaganda i have a ? hey Jim I'm a little confused the picture above shows a bridge and a park are you proposing a bridge or a park?......or a huge diesel truck parking lot {not shown} . Well we already have a beautifully protected state park on Squaw island including all of the green space shown everything north of the water treatment plant not just north of the RR bridge and Squaw island is not for sale . So we don't need your help on that put I'll tell you what Jim, I mis your greetings in the Riverside Review it's just not the same when I don't see that "Happy Holiday's from your friend's and neighbor's at the Diesel admitting Ambassador Bridge Group" Jim,Valentine's Day is coming up so please send a Diesel Soot admitting greeting our way . Love ya B.R.A xoxo
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viking
Check Sunday's posting on this site, about rail and the region, someone else has done some research also. ABC is trying to partner with CSX to use their right of ways as part of this proposal. If CSX is interested in an arrangement with ABC, it won't be to primarily facilitate trucks. If the projections and forecasts of this topic are correct, then supporting this relationship will have long term benefits to the whole region.
I personally have been following the developments for a long while and realize what positive effects of the success of this venture would mean for not only my business but the neighborhood. Private money, with no constants placed by politicians, no public funding and debt , and no tax exemptions. Crossing borders is federally controlled security won't be an issue and the company will have to pay taxes on it's profits, which isn't true of the Peace Bridge Authority today.
The personal story of the owner sounds like an American success story, after reading the article that was referred to and to my knowledge, maintenance or security hasn't been a problem to date concerning the Windsor Bridge. The problem issues seem to be, the reluctance to grant permission to replicate the success that this man has enjoyed in the past, by building a new bridge.
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viking
My post on the article referred to above "Do you think the possibility that this article and the controversy about the Ambassador Group has any connection, lets see--CSX-- only bridge in the region that facilitates rail --former rail yard right on the border next to bridge site, open land to build storage, possible truck corridor to the 290 that bypasses the 190. My crystal Ball has been predicting this story for twenty years, if fact, I've been praying for it. Maybe now all the money we put into staying in Black Rock will make sense."
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blackrocklifer
My families health trumps your imagined increase in buisness. Ambassador will say ANYTHING to get what they want, just ask the people in Detroit/Winsdor as I have. Matty Moroun owner of Ambassador is in the TRUCKING BUISNESS and owns Centra, the 5th largest trucking co in the US, as well as 150 TRUCK TERMINALS. He has no intention of giving his buisness to rail. Read former coucilman Dale Zuchlewski's article in the Riverside Reveiw, a citizen was afraid to be quoted because Moroun is a "vindictive person" and how Dale was told in in no uncertain terms to be "wary and extremely careful in any dealings with Moroun. Is this the kind of buisnessman you refer to as "An American success story?
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viking
My interest is not to defend any one individual, only to promote that which could be good for all. The wars of the Ambassador group is their problem, supporting my family and the families of those who depend on my support is my concern.
The health problems of the Windsor Bridge existence would be there regardless who owned it, taking it down is not a good option in solving that problem. Any concentration of exhaust fumes anywhere would be a problem, The situation existed long before anyone considered the problem and wasn't created by the current owner. The US Navy is the biggest consumer of diesel in the world, tell them their polluting the ocean and world. Airports create more environmental disruption than any other source according to some studies, should we get rid of the airport too.
The profile of the owner states he is very astute, and plans long range, do you not think such a person could see the obvious conclusions, or would not hire consultants to develop future growth for his interests. Any powerful person, should be considered an individual to be wary of, and vindictiveness creeps into your arguments on your position, are you a threat to anyone.
Reading the history of Henry Ford, J.D. Rockafeller, J.P. Morgan and you'll see similar experiences or is there denial of their Americanness. I'm not mentioning any ethnic names on purpose, the ones mention are obviously American in origin. Dale is a good guy unfortunately, the public and other powerful people chose not to support him, the owner of Ambassador is not wholly responsible for Dale's decision not to be in elected politics any longer.
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blackrocklifer
This project would not be good for all, not good for anyone but Ambassador. TRUCK PLAZAS DO NOT SPUR GROWTH, why do you keeping making this claim? My argument is not anti transportation, it is that DIESEL TRUCK PLAZAS DO NOT BELONG IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS. As for being vindictive, it is you Viking who advised anyone who disagrees with you "to get their head out of their----" My goal is to protect my family and my community and I make no apologies for doing whatever is needed .
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viking
I agree that trucks should not be in residential areas, how about chemical plants, junk yards, foundries, paint manufacturing, sewer treatment plants,-- get the picture. I live here too, who are you kidding, this area was and still is mixed use. Given the choice and aside from special circumstances anyone who has or had the chance would relocate. With the exception of a some, maybe including you, the residents can be some of the worst found in the city. We in Black Rock have been one of Buffalo's dumping grounds for all that is not wanted any place else, lets change that and at the very least choose the adversity easiest to deal with, that may have some redeeming benefits. I'm for using what natural advantages we already have to better our lives, we already have mixed use, we're not North Buffalo, Amherst etc. take what we got and put it to our best use. Nobody has yet try to make a historical district out of a perceived slum area., yes thats what some people now think of our area. I'm for giving this area a distinction with a positive profile, maybe not the best residential area but renown for something good.
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blackrocklifer
Mixed use in fine and would not pollute on the scale of a diesel truck plaza. It is small business that brings jobs and neighborhoods back. A truck plaza would not be something to take pride in. Black Rock has been abused and Ambassador is just another attempt to do more of the same. There is at this moment a committee pursueing a Black Rock Historic District that would bring positive investment (tax credits, recognition. etc) This group was formed as many preservation minded people saw Black Rock as the most under appreciated historic neighborhood in Buffalo. I believe your business would prosper with the interrest this would generate. I am not naive about the problems we have but I know so many good decent people who choose to live here and am surprised how eager you seem to dismiss them.
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viking
Your right an Historic designation of the area may benefit us, since we're one of the oldest commercial building in the Rock. Your wrong in labeling my opinions as dismissive of the good decent people who choose to live in the Rock, I'm one of them. Our business is one of the few places people from other zip codes frequent, and my family's investment in the area is obscene in some' eyes. I talk to some of the movers and shakers of Buffalo and their opinion is in contrast to yours. You can dismiss their opinion as just unconcerned outsiders but trust me, those fancy cars you see, is because they want us to succeed and are trying to help us do so, as evidenced by the fact that their even there.
You may know that our building was relocated to make room for the expanded rail yard across from us, and that the rail commerce of the past supported the business of our building. Our business history was an extension of the logistics of commerce and I believe it is true of the future also. We already draw people to us and are confident that the Bridge project will help us draw more. Ask some of the area businesses that now get some of the same customer base we have if our support for the area in referrals helps the local economy. By the way we have been here over thirty years and for some in this neighborhood that could be at least two generations.
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sbrof
yes the region should expand its logistics and goods distribution industries but it shouldn't happen at the expense of both our health and our residential properties. We could easily expand the bridge in Lewiston and bring the trucks to the current train yards on the east side for the transfer. There isn't room to do it all in BR anyhow, if you look at their powerpoint from their website you don't see a single train yard in it.
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blackrocklifer
Viking- You say you know some of the "movers and shakers" and seem to think they must know what is best for our area. I have been fortunate to know many people from all walks of life, some that would fit that label. But I prefer the "doers and givers", people who might not drive "fancy cars" but care about our neigborhood and volunteer their time and energy to make it a better place for all (including you). An example would be the many small businessmen from Niagara st. who have lended a hand on many projects from Market Square Park to the recent volunteer effort to replace the damaged Black Rock Sign. What have your "movers and shakers done for us lately? As for your reference to 30 years being 2 generations for some, thats just mean and adds nothing to this discussion