Not only has Rich Stadium changed its parking rules, but the Buffalo Bills have also influenced neighborhood traffic by closing Abbott Road. That may or may not be good for the Bills or its fans, but surely it’s annoying to the people who live in the 52 homes neighboring the stadium. This new Disneystyle system isolates residents of these homes and dramatically restricts their getting around because Abbott Road, their only outlet, is now closed to the immediate north.

That doesn’t just mean that they’re forced into one direction, it also means that their streets are now emptier when they’re usually bustling with Sunday business. Now it barely matters how big or how clean their lawns are, or how much (or how less) they’re charging to park, because Rich Stadium, by “improving” itself, has “fenced” them off. And this fence isn’t making good neighbors. Not with those homes or the five or so business owners along Abbott Road who have purchased parking permits—like they’ve done for decades—in support of their team. The Buffalo Bills, unfortunately, aren’t acting as neighborly. Shame on them.

Thomas Carrow

Owner, T. B. Automotive

Orchard Park