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State removing portion of Robert Moses Parkway in Niagara Falls

Posted at 5:41 PM, Jul 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-05 18:05:34-04

After years of pressure from city leaders and residents, Governor Andrew Cuomo agreed to remove two miles of the Robert Moses Parkway between Main Street and Findlay Drive. 

This is being done in order to expand the green space of Niagara Falls State Park. The largest expansion since its creation in 1885. 

Niagara Fall Mayor, Paul Dyster said many neighbors believe the parkway cuts off the city from tourism. Since 2001, two lanes of the four-lane parkway have been used as a makeshift bike lane. Now the state will spend about $40,000,000 to completely remove the pavement. 

“It’s going to create a continuous ribbon of green space all away along the Niagara River Gorge which is going to give us the opportunity to really expand our offerings in the field of outdoors recreation,” Dyster said. 

The project could take at least three years to complete. While the parkway will be converted into green space with hiking/biking trails, Whirlpool Street will be reconstructed to give a more scenic view of the Niagara River Gorge for vehicles. 

“People know we got eight or nine new hotel projects downtown a lot of that investment activity was a result of the decision to expand the park,” Dyster said. 

The Parkway portion removal is expected to get underway later this year. 

 

 

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