Hon. Dennis Gabryszak (sent to all members of the WNY Assembly delegation)
New York State Assembly
920 Legislative Office Bldg.
Albany, NY 12248
Dear Assemblymember Gabryszak:
On behalf of the 2,500 employer members of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, I write in support of the “Complete Streets and Smart Growth Agenda” (S.5711-B), which recently was approved overwhelmingly by the State Senate. There is great need to reconfigure the way we develop infrastructure in New York State in addition to addressing the issue of reducing the amount of pedestrian related accidents.
This bill recognizes the need investing in long-term development practices that address the positions advocated by business owners, developers and environmentalists: lower taxes, clarity in decision making and protection of greenspace.
In our own region, The Framework for Regional Growth has been adopted by the county of Erie and accepted by the County of Niagara to address and measure the above referenced issues. In essence, the Framework is the template for the “Complete Streets” legislation that is before you. The premise of the Framework is to implement the most intelligent use of our resources – regarding infrastructure, financial resources, human capital and efforts led by both the public and private sectors.
The burden to taxpayers in New York is already staggering. Uncontrolled growth into areas that should remain strategically undeveloped will only tighten the yolk around the neck of our residents by transferring the cost to the taxpayer. Conversely, being mindful of our ability to create more interrelated connections of infrastructure and resources will create efficiencies and enhance of the quality of life for all of New Yorkers.
I encourage you to support the “Complete Streets and Smart Growth Agenda”, as approved by the State Senate. I have attached an editorial from this morning’s Buffalo News as further demonstration of the need for this legislation in the Buffalo Niagara region.