Environmental advocates joined the push to remove the Grand Island Bridge toll barriers. While previous efforts focused on the excessive financial burdens cast upon residents and commuters, new concerns are being raised over the damage done to area air quality.
The toll issue has simmered for years, reinforced by those who pay the tolls every day, even if they pay lower charges because they live on the island. There's some political support, as there was when tolls were removed at two surface toll barriers on the Thruway Niagara Section.
"We're broadening the focus from making this just about dollars and cents and time, to putting a face on the health and environmental impact of these tolls," said advocate Brian Michel, who is among those paying the tolls on his daily commute.
"What kind of pollutants are we exposed to? What kind of toxins are we breathing in and bringing home to our families at night?" Michel wondered.
Rockefeller University researcher Jessica Castner is among those trying to provide answers.
"Here in Erie County, we found a correlation, particularly in the summer months, with increases in the air pollution at the county level and emergency department visits for asthma," said Castner, a Grand Island resident who lived on Grand Island and is affiliated with the University at Buffalo School of Nursing.
"Overall, the science is much stronger for those who live within 500 meters of a major roadway or traffic. That's about 30 percent of the population."
The matter brought out a small crowd last night for an educational summit in Brounshidle Post in the Town of Tonawanda.
