Officials in the Falls have introduced the initial "preferred concepts" for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), with more ideas expected to follow.
During a public workshop held at LaSalle Preparatory School on Monday night, the proposed plan includes dismantling the LaSalle Expressway and replacing it with a ground-level main street. This new thoroughfare would be surrounded by primarily residential developments, small retail spaces, and additional green areas. This design was selected from several options that were initially presented to the public in July.
The Planning Director for the Falls emphasized the importance of identifying specific projects for the LWRP, aiming to eliminate barriers that restrict access to the waterfront and enhance connectivity to this area. Removing the LaSalle Expressway, which is an elevated highway that separates the community and limits access to the waterfront, is seen as a significant first step for the LWRP.
A follow-up workshop is scheduled for tonight at 6pm at the John Duke Senior Citizen Center, located at 1201 Hyde Park Boulevard. This session will focus on redesigning the Niagara Scenic Parkway between John Daly Boulevard and the I-190, improving bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Hyde Park Boulevard, and repurposing the former Falls Public Safety Building for community use.
The city is collaborating with the New York State Department of State and various state agencies to develop the revitalization plan. A comprehensive written proposal detailing specific projects is expected to be released by late 2025 or early 2026.
Funding for this initiative comes from New York State.
Representatives from an environmental and design consulting firm informed attendees at the workshop that various alternatives for replacing the expressway had been explored. The vision is to create a neighborhood in its place, establishing a new Main Street for LaSalle.
The design shared with the public features a two-lane roadway at ground level extending from 65th Street to Williams Road, lined with trees and interspersed with lots for new housing, parks, and green spaces. A bike path runs alongside the roadway, and a median is included throughout the length of the street.
Concerns were raised about the maintenance of the median, referencing past issues with upkeep on Niagara Street and John Daly Boulevard in the South End tourist area. The need for a maintenance plan for the median was acknowledged, along with the requirement for an environmental review and the disposal of fill material that was added during the construction of the elevated highway.
LaSalle Expressway Removal Proposed as Part of Waterfront Revitalization Effort