BUFFALO, N.Y. — For the first time, we have a timeline on that long-talked-about project of covering up part of the Kensington Expressway.
The state announced Wednesday that the environmental assessment is already underway, and that if it's done on time, the actual work on the 33 would start in late 2024.
"With East Buffalo and all New Yorkers still reeling from the horrific terrorist attack that took place at Tops Supermarket last month, I am laser-focused on uplifting this community now and into the future," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The Kensington Expressway project represents a historic opportunity to right a wrong of the past by reuniting communities, creating jobs, and igniting economic growth throughout the region — helping build a brighter future for East Buffalo."
A new website has been created to provide information on the project.
There will be two public meetings scheduled for June 30. One is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Input from the community at these sessions will help the New York State Department of Transportations decision making process.
"Redesigning and covering Route 33 is a unique opportunity to address the generational harm done by the Kensington Expressway, when it tore into the Martin Luther King and Hamlin Park neighborhoods. These expressways have long severed and disrupted our communities and recreational spaces. Restoring these communities is a matter of racial justice, quality of life, environmental health, and community development. Prioritizing investments in the redesign of Route 33 will significantly help to correct these injustices and would be a significant step towards reunifying neighborhoods in our city and healing decades-old wounds," said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes in a release.
Mayor Byron W. Brown said, "I thank Governor Hochul and the NY State Department of Transportation for accelerating the process to move the Kensington Expressway redesign forward. This project will allow the City of Buffalo to leverage federal, state, and local resources to improve housing and small business development in Buffalo's Black community."
Part of the state's fiscal year budget for 2023 includes up to $1 billion to connect the east and west portions of the city, and create green space.
For more information on the project: https://kensingtonexpressway.dot.ny.gov/