The continuing issue about polluted air from the Peace Bridge blowing across Buffalo’s West Side was discussed during a national meeting in Washington this week.
Buffalo Common Council Member Joe Golombek, Peace Bridge General Manager Ron Reinas, Columbus Park Neighborhood Association President Kathleen Mecca, and Preservation Buffalo Niagara Trustee Terrance Robinson attended the National Environmental Justice Conference.
Speaking prior to the event, Golombek called it a great opportunity to talk about the pollution and health concerns.
"They're putting on a two-day workshop and they're going to have people across the country. One of the hours they're going to designated to the Peace Bridge issue. Hopefully they'll be able to get answers that we've not been able to get on our own," said Golombek
Golombek says he wants to speak to federal bureaucrats who were supposedly going to get involved in bridge expansion talks because of environmental justice issues on the West Side. When the story surfaced, the federal officials involved were invited to come to the city for a public meeting and talk about what they know, but they didn't appear.
A significant amount of air pollution continues to come from the bridge and the Thruway Niagara Section, and many in the community blame their health problems on the Peace Bridge.
