I suggest that the federal and state funding in the amount of $13M+ that was pledged to the City of Schenectady for the construction of a traffic rotary on Erie Boulevard be rescinded and that the funds be used to either offset the state budget deficit and/or improve the quality of our roadway surfaces and repair/replace unsafe bridges.
This rotary is not supported by county residents or by local businessmen who will be impacted by its design and construction. Further, a recent (Daily Gazette) newspaper article (link provided below) identified that the location of the proposed rotary is NOT among the intersections having the highest incidents of accidents.
http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/oct/31/1031_roundabout/It is my assessment that the rotary that is planned for the area of lower Erie Boulevard is motivated by Schenectady City Mayor Stratton's desire to eliminate two businesses (a gun shop and an adult store) that he deems inappropriate for downtown Schenectady. Stratton has threatened to invoke eminent domain proceedings, if necessary, to force the relocation of these businesses. So long as the businesses are operating within the confines of established laws, the power of government should NOT be invoked. To do so, is an abuse of government power.
In summary, the $13M+ of federal and state revenues can be better used to reduce the present
NYS budget deficit and/or to improve the quality of our existing road surfaces and ensure the safety of our decaying bridges. Investing the funds in this manner rather than wasting it on an unneeded and unwanted traffic rotary will create jobs, improve the infrastructure of our state, and exhibit fiscal responsibility of our government.
Thank you.
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