COMPTROLLER MYCHAJLIW URGES ALL ERIE COUNTY TOWNS TO SUPPORT SAVING SKYWAY

June 8, 2021

 Mr. Tom Moses

Village of Hamburg Mayor

101 Main Street

Hamburg, NY 14075

 Dear Mayor Moses:

As you know, our region has made colossal generational mistakes over many decades that continue to hurt us to this day.  Those mistakes include: 

• Building a rapid transit train to nowhere on Main Street in downtown Buffalo
• Placing the University at Buffalo in the equivalent of a marshy swamp instead of downtown
• Literally and figuratively dividing Buffalo with the construction of the Kensington Expressway

Politicians are about to make another error that will hurt many taxpayers for years to come:  tearing down the Skyway.  At a time when Governor Cuomo should be focused on rebuilding our economy, tending to the many infrastructure needs plaguing your area, and creating a climate that invites people to move back to New York State, talk has turned instead to taking down this iconic roadway.  Make no mistake, it will negatively impact taxpayers in your town. 

While Congressman Brian Higgins and NYS Senator Tim Kennedy stated Skyway removal plans are now “on hold,” this important fight to Save Our Skyway continues.  It is far from over.  Regardless of political party or philosophical beliefs, we must all join to fight the shortsighted plan to tear it down.  The Skyway does not hinder downtown development.  Quite the opposite is the case.  Canalside is a major destination for families year-round.  Wilkeson Pointe draws many as well.  Our waterfront is flourishing.  Your town taxpayers are best served keeping the Skyway as is. 

It remains the quickest way of Southtown commuters to get downtown and is the route often used by those from across Erie County who want to enjoy Buffalo’s waterfront, as an alternative way to get to a Bills game, and for Northtown and city taxpayers to drive to some of the many parks, beaches, and other attractions in the Southtowns.  In addition, tearing down the Skyway would result in the destruction of eight to ten acres of wetlands, and risk ease of travel for an estimated 90 annual freighters and 50 tugboats.  Removal of the Skyway will lead to longer commutes, increased tolls, more time in the car, potential destruction of wetlands and harm to the environment.

I am grateful that the Town of Hamburg passed a resolution opposing the removal of the Skyway at their meeting June 7, 2021.  I am asking you to join this bipartisan effort.  I plan to attend a future town board meeting to encourage you to lend your voice to the growing opposition of tearing down the skyway by passing a similar resolution.

Sincerely,

Hon. Stefan I. Mychajliw

ERIE COUNTY COMPTROLLER

For pdf of letter, click HERE