Busti homes demolition was far from illegal
I would like to point out that the demolition of the Busti homes by the Bridge Authority was not illegal as indicated by Sam Hoyt and David Rivera in a June 18 letter. There was a 2004 agreement between former Mayor Masiello, Common Council and the bridge authority to have the city demolish the houses.
Responding to a recent neighborhood inquiry, a member of the corporation counsel’s office stated, “Some properties on Busti are scheduled for demolition beginning in May 2009. The PBA is communicating it activities with the city.” Finally, at no time did the federal highway authority state that the demolition was illegal. What was actually said was, “Our review and approval to demolish seven properties prior to NEPA environmental processes will be needed to ensure federal aid funds will not be in jeopardy.”
This effort to save so-called historic houses was nothing more than a stall tactic to try to delay the plaza. The obstructionists called upon certain agencies and obliging politicians to serve their purpose. This is exactly why no new projects survive in Buffalo.
In reality, the demolition of these houses by the bridge authority was to rid the neighborhood of these fire traps and create attractive green space.
Barbara L. Battista
Neighbors For Progress Buffalo
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