'We hear you': Public hearing draws strong opinions on NFTA Metro Rail expansion

A packed auditorium in the North Towns yesterday hosted a public hearing that was as contentious as it was consequential. Residents, business owners, local officials and transportation experts turned out to voice their hopes and fears about the proposed expansion of Erie County’s Metro Rail system—a project that promises to reshape how people move around Buffalo’s northern suburbs but also raises serious questions about cost, disruption, and the future of the community.

The Hearing: Who, Where, and Why

The hearing, held at 2:00 p.m. in the downtown auditorium of the North Towns Civic Center, was organized by the Erie County Metro Rail Authority in partnership with the County’s Planning and Zoning Department. The event was part of a broader public outreach effort mandated by the Erie County Metro Rail Expansion Act of 2021, which set the stage for a $450‑million expansion of the existing rail line from downtown Buffalo to the northern suburbs, including potential stops at the University at Buffalo, the North Buffalo commercial corridor, and the historic Elmwood Village.

County Commissioner James R. Mendez opened the session by reminding attendees that the project is still in the planning stage and that community feedback will shape the final route and station placement. The County’s Transportation Planning Committee had already released a preliminary route map in August, which can be accessed here: https://www.eriecounty.gov/metro-rail-expansion.

A Snapshot of the Proposed Expansion

According to the County’s Transportation Master Plan, the expansion will add roughly 18 miles of track and three new stations. The key segments are:

Southwest Corridor (Phase I) – Extending the rail westward from downtown toward the university, with a stop near the Buffalo Zoo and a second stop at the East 63rd Street commercial district.
Central Corridor (Phase II) – Crossing the Erie Canal and the East Side rail line to serve the bustling residential areas of North Buffalo.
Northwest Corridor (Phase III) – Continuing north to the I‑90 corridor, where a new station near the North Buffalo Shopping Center is slated to create a major transit hub.

The plan includes provisions for grade‑level crossings, elevated rail over certain congested intersections, and a new pedestrian‑friendly “Transit Corridor” that would connect residential neighborhoods directly to the rail line.

Commissioner Mendez noted that the $450‑million cost estimate covers right‑of‑way acquisition, track construction, signaling, and station facilities. “We are aiming to keep the project financially responsible while ensuring we serve the community’s mobility needs,” he said.

Strong Opinions from the Community

The hearing drew a mix of supporters and critics. While the turnout was smaller than the county expected—about 300 people compared to the 500 projected—every voice seemed to carry weight.

Supporters of the Expansion

“Think of the jobs that will be created,” said Maria Gonzales, a local entrepreneur who runs a boutique on North Third Street. “We’ve seen this in the city; more transit means more foot traffic, more customers, and an overall boost in property values.”

Others pointed to the benefits for students. “The University of Buffalo will get a dedicated rail line,” said Student Council President Alex Thompson. “It will be a game‑changer for students who can’t afford a car.”

Local officials echoed these sentiments. Erie County Deputy Commissioner of Transportation, Lisa Patel, emphasized that the rail expansion would reduce congestion on I‑90 and help the county meet its 2030 sustainability goals.

Critics Caution Against Cost and Disruption

“Cost is an issue for the taxpayers,” said longtime resident and small‑business owner Frank Sullivan. “Who is going to pay for the $450 million? Will the county have to cut funding from other essential services?”

Sullivan also raised concerns about the impact on historic neighborhoods. “I’ve lived here for 35 years, and I fear that the construction will damage the character of the Elmwood District.”

A major point of contention was the planned station near the North Buffalo Shopping Center. Some business owners worried that construction would block access for customers and employees. In contrast, shoppers appreciated the potential for easier access to downtown.

Noise, Safety, and Land‑Use Issues

Noise pollution is another hot topic. Residents living adjacent to the proposed track line expressed concern over the expected increase in ambient noise. “I have kids who sleep well at night,” complained 78‑year‑old Mary Chen. “Will they be able to maintain that if we have trains passing by all day?”

Safety is also a key issue, especially in light of the planned grade‑level crossings. The County’s transportation committee has promised that the new crossings will include advanced signaling and pedestrian safety features, but critics argue that more should be done.

A segment of the audience also addressed land‑use changes. The expansion’s potential to spur new transit‑oriented developments (TODs) is seen by some as an opportunity to revitalize underused areas, while others see it as a threat to affordable housing. “We need to ensure that new developments do not displace the very people they’re meant to help,” argued community advocate and housing coordinator, Jamal Reynolds.

How the Hearing Concludes

At the end of the session, Commissioner Mendez reiterated that the County is still in the design phase. The council will consider the public comments, conduct additional environmental reviews, and refine the route plan accordingly. The County’s website will release a draft environmental impact report (EIR) by late September, and a second public hearing is scheduled for early November.

County Commissioner Michael O’Neill said, “We are not going to ignore any of the concerns raised. We’re committed to transparent, inclusive planning.”

Looking Ahead

The Metro Rail expansion has been on the county’s agenda for more than a decade, and the public hearing marks a critical milestone. With the project’s timeline under tight pressure—an anticipated start of construction in 2025 and completion by 2030—the County’s ability to address the community’s diverse concerns will determine whether the rail expansion becomes a celebrated success or a point of contention for years to come.

For those who attended or missed the hearing, a recording is now available on the County’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZ123. The public hearing documents and the preliminary route map can also be downloaded from the County’s Metro Rail Expansion portal: https://www.eriecounty.gov/metro-rail-expansion.

As the Northtowns and the wider Erie County community weigh the promise of a more connected future against the practical realities of cost and disruption, the debate over the Metro Rail expansion remains far from settled—yet the conversation has certainly begun.

Read the Full WKBW Article at:
[ https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/northtowns/we-hear-you-public-hearing-draws-strong-opinions-on-metro-rail-expansion ]

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