I am a resident of West River and I oppose the bike path. If I wanted to live near a park I would of bought a home near a park. I like the peace, quiet and privacy West River has to offer and the bike path will put an end to that. If you want to enjoy West River, buy a home here.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
I agree, but be warned, under the current proposal, maintenance and cleanliness is not fully defined or guaranteed, only it's existence. In a few years' time we could be back to exactly where we are now.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
I am sorry that you feel that the residents of West River seem selfish. Do not forget that they once owned that property but it was taken from them by the State of New York via Eminent Domain along with unfulfilled promises in return. I believe that the Town Board voted based on many factors beyond the overwhelming number of those against the recent proposed design. Personally, I wish this was something that the entire community could vote on, but it appears it is not up for a popular vote. Grand Island residents are allowed to voice concerns but have no say in the final decision.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
I agree that closing the Parkway would bring more business and visitors to local restaurants and businesses, but not with the current design of redirecting all the traffic onto the service road. If all that traffic (approx. 1700 vehicles per day) were redirected into the middle of town instead, I would be a much stronger proponent.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
There are dozens of negatives: http://www.isledegrande.com/letter/letterstoeditor2016.php#8-1-16
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
Come to Grand Island anytime, there is public access to the river at any of the overlooks 24/7. With the recent design plan, this will not change, just that one will no longer be able to park there; you will have to park in front of someone's home and make your way to the nearest overlook.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
For the record, I am not against the bike path, I am against the hazard of redirecting the Parkway traffic onto the service road without consideration to safety; there are better ideas. I am against creating unnecessary parking lots in front of homes. If we have to use the $MM or lose it, then let's use it wisely.
Fortunately it appears the Grand Island Town Board recognized the overwhelming opposition of the individuals who spoke at the informational meeting on 7/20/16 or wrote letters regarding the most recent design plan for a bike path installment along West River. The minutes of that meeting, as of 8/3, are not yet publicly available but according to this petition site, the results are 3-2.
According to what I am hearing and research I've done, the majority of opposition is not against the bike path as originally approved, but against this new design plan with the closure of the Parkway, redirecting all of it's traffic (currently 8:1) onto a quiet service road which is safely shared by cyclists, pedestrians, pets, rollerbladers, strollers, and traffic - all this without a dedicated bike lane or sidewalks as many communities have. Additionally, this new design plan includes no studies of any kind done regarding any forms of impact; in my mind safety comes first, followed by environment, noise, and lastly property values, convenience and aesthetics. It includes no definitive plans for maintenance.
So even though Grand Island currently has plenty of bike paths, including the one already in use along West River Road, I came to learn last weekend that there are others which already connect Buffalo and Niagara Falls via scenic greenspaces. This new path would not be fulfilling a missing need as advertised, just an expensive redundancy of what is already in existence.
W
William Broady
10 years ago
We need public access to the river. Although i believe we need a Grand Island town park on the water. Not another state park.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Looking forward to this
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
You already can safely bike along the water. The Board did not turn down an opportunity to connect Buffalo to Niagara Falls, one exists already along West River Road, there are others through the Tonanwandas.
M
Marianne Buscaglia
10 years ago
All of Grand Islanders and off-islanders, already have the ability to fully enjoy the waterfront [on West River]. Stop on by to any of the overlooks, with the recent design plan, this will not change, only the distance you will have to go to get to one.
A
Alicia Meaney
10 years ago
I do not see any negatives with this project.
K
Kathleen A otto
10 years ago
YES! to any bike path!
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Madigan should resign
B
Brian Chapin
10 years ago
Only a complete blithering idiot obstructionists would be opposed to this - I guess we know who they are!
K
Kelly Lynch
10 years ago
Yes!!
G
Gary Dixon
10 years ago
It is wrong to have such beautiful area basically used as an alternative road for local traffic. Grand Island should be proud of its Island and make its beauty accessible in a environmentally friendly way. What better way than a bike path.
J
Jonathan Schutrum
10 years ago
I strongly support the West River bike path proposal. It would open up miles of scenic waterfront to both Islanders and visitors. One of the things I like most about living on the Island is the abundance of nature trails and parks. Having a West River path would be a huge asset; think about hundreds of individuals and families that use it. I think the path would encourage healthy lifestyles, provide free family recreation, and bring business to local restaurants and stores. Think about all the bike path users who will come to GI for the path and stop for lunch or a drink afterwards. The path makes financial sense too--it makes Grand Island a more desirable place to live, which adds to property values. Thanks to all who support the Proposal. Let's make sure this great idea becomes a reality.
I am a resident of West River and I oppose the bike path. If I wanted to live near a park I would of bought a home near a park. I like the peace, quiet and privacy West River has to offer and the bike path will put an end to that. If you want to enjoy West River, buy a home here.
I agree, but be warned, under the current proposal, maintenance and cleanliness is not fully defined or guaranteed, only it's existence. In a few years' time we could be back to exactly where we are now.
I am sorry that you feel that the residents of West River seem selfish. Do not forget that they once owned that property but it was taken from them by the State of New York via Eminent Domain along with unfulfilled promises in return. I believe that the Town Board voted based on many factors beyond the overwhelming number of those against the recent proposed design. Personally, I wish this was something that the entire community could vote on, but it appears it is not up for a popular vote. Grand Island residents are allowed to voice concerns but have no say in the final decision.
I agree that closing the Parkway would bring more business and visitors to local restaurants and businesses, but not with the current design of redirecting all the traffic onto the service road. If all that traffic (approx. 1700 vehicles per day) were redirected into the middle of town instead, I would be a much stronger proponent.
There are dozens of negatives: http://www.isledegrande.com/letter/letterstoeditor2016.php#8-1-16
Come to Grand Island anytime, there is public access to the river at any of the overlooks 24/7. With the recent design plan, this will not change, just that one will no longer be able to park there; you will have to park in front of someone's home and make your way to the nearest overlook.
For the record, I am not against the bike path, I am against the hazard of redirecting the Parkway traffic onto the service road without consideration to safety; there are better ideas. I am against creating unnecessary parking lots in front of homes. If we have to use the $MM or lose it, then let's use it wisely. Fortunately it appears the Grand Island Town Board recognized the overwhelming opposition of the individuals who spoke at the informational meeting on 7/20/16 or wrote letters regarding the most recent design plan for a bike path installment along West River. The minutes of that meeting, as of 8/3, are not yet publicly available but according to this petition site, the results are 3-2. According to what I am hearing and research I've done, the majority of opposition is not against the bike path as originally approved, but against this new design plan with the closure of the Parkway, redirecting all of it's traffic (currently 8:1) onto a quiet service road which is safely shared by cyclists, pedestrians, pets, rollerbladers, strollers, and traffic - all this without a dedicated bike lane or sidewalks as many communities have. Additionally, this new design plan includes no studies of any kind done regarding any forms of impact; in my mind safety comes first, followed by environment, noise, and lastly property values, convenience and aesthetics. It includes no definitive plans for maintenance. So even though Grand Island currently has plenty of bike paths, including the one already in use along West River Road, I came to learn last weekend that there are others which already connect Buffalo and Niagara Falls via scenic greenspaces. This new path would not be fulfilling a missing need as advertised, just an expensive redundancy of what is already in existence.
We need public access to the river. Although i believe we need a Grand Island town park on the water. Not another state park.
Looking forward to this
You already can safely bike along the water. The Board did not turn down an opportunity to connect Buffalo to Niagara Falls, one exists already along West River Road, there are others through the Tonanwandas.
All of Grand Islanders and off-islanders, already have the ability to fully enjoy the waterfront [on West River]. Stop on by to any of the overlooks, with the recent design plan, this will not change, only the distance you will have to go to get to one.
I do not see any negatives with this project.
YES! to any bike path!
Madigan should resign
Only a complete blithering idiot obstructionists would be opposed to this - I guess we know who they are!
Yes!!
It is wrong to have such beautiful area basically used as an alternative road for local traffic. Grand Island should be proud of its Island and make its beauty accessible in a environmentally friendly way. What better way than a bike path.
I strongly support the West River bike path proposal. It would open up miles of scenic waterfront to both Islanders and visitors. One of the things I like most about living on the Island is the abundance of nature trails and parks. Having a West River path would be a huge asset; think about hundreds of individuals and families that use it. I think the path would encourage healthy lifestyles, provide free family recreation, and bring business to local restaurants and stores. Think about all the bike path users who will come to GI for the path and stop for lunch or a drink afterwards. The path makes financial sense too--it makes Grand Island a more desirable place to live, which adds to property values. Thanks to all who support the Proposal. Let's make sure this great idea becomes a reality.
I support the bike path.
Keep moving forward!