How proposed Metro Rail expansion could affect residents
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- WIVB News 4 continues to sift through the proposed Metro Rail project that would connect downtown Buffalo to the largest public university campus system in the state.
Jeff Amplement, the NFTA-Metro’s planning projects manager, said the expansion could cost close to $2 billion, with hopes of breaking ground by 2027. But it’s the construction -- and the noise -- that has raised concerns among nearby residents in previous public meetings.
Experts, however, say noise shouldn’t be a problem.
“Measure the train, see how loud it is downtown on the tracks. It’s going to be about the same out in Amherst. Compare it to how loud the cars are -- cars are a lot louder,” said Jim Gordon, treasurer of Citizens for Regional Transit.
The proposed rail line expansion by NFTA-Metro would extend the existing University Station through the towns of Amherst and Tonawanda to the University at Buffalo North Campus.
“This corridor connects the highest concentration of local residents to the highest concentration of jobs in the entire region,” said Amplement.
A draft environmental survey focused on several strategies to mitigate noise, both during construction and once trains begin operating.
“They say, no, we won’t be having big, loud horn blasts coming out -- no clanging bells. So they listened, and they are addressing the complaints,” Gordon said.
A significant portion of construction will take place along Niagara Falls Boulevard, a high-traffic route that, according to the draft study, will remain open during and after construction.
“We are going to come up with a construction plan that helps ensure access for businesses and residents to make sure people can get where they want to go while there’s construction,” said Amplement.
“Most of it will be reduced by one lane. So where it’s two lanes now, it’ll go down to one, which should reduce noise. Where it’s three lanes each way, it’ll be reduced to two,” Gordon said.
For Buffalo Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, whose district the current rail line runs through, the project is essential.
“If we’re going to be a sophisticated city that is cosmopolitan, in tune, and vibrant, we need to have strong infrastructure -- and also strong public transportation. The extension of the rail is what the city needs,” Nowakowski said.
Construction could impact 192 properties, with 14 individual displacements. The Sweet Home Central School District stands to lose an estimated $70,000 annually in school property taxes.
Sweet Home Superintendent Mike Ginestre said he’s aware of the impact but remains optimistic.
“The study mentioned a $1.7 billion economic impact. Property values could go up as well. So whenever that happens, in terms of finances, that’s going to have a big impact on the district -- and a big benefit for our students,” Ginestre said.
Public comment is open until Sept. 8. A public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19 at Sweet Home Middle School.
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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.