By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The public will have a chance to vote for their top three favorite Peace Bridge designs starting May 1st. But a West Side resident says its a little too late to ask for public opinion.
There are now 14 separate bridge concepts up for review by the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority and elected leaders.
"Some are very large bridges -- two tower cable stays while others are lower scale bridges, such as a three-span arch," said Peace Bridge Expansion Project Manager Bruce Campbell.
He says they are now at a "pivotal point." He says they need the public to help whittle down the choices to just three.
"This public outreach is one of the largest efforts that has ever been made in this region," Campbell said. "We're really excited that many thousands of people will be able to give us their input, instead of a workshop where you may get only several hundred."
Voting will begin May 1st at a Fort Erie workshop. Then May 2nd through the 9th, a television show will air at various times on Adelphia and in Southern Ontario allowing the public to call-in their top three favorite. But Ester Marinaccio-Alessi -- who lives directly across from the Peace Bridge -- says the public has already stated its case.
It's opinion over opinion over opinion," Marinaccio-Alessi said. "It's repetitious. They should have the message by now. I personally don't think this is necessary."
Marinaccio-Alessi says she doesn't believe people from other parts of Western New York who not directly affected by the bridge should be allowed to vote.
But Peace Bridge project leaders say the public will also have a chance to comment this summer on the final three before the Peace Bridge Authority, City of Buffalo and Town of Fort Erie makes the ultimate choice.