BengalNews Reporters
A potential walkway in Buffalo
State College’s future could connect the campus to Amherst Street across the Scajaquada Expressway.
The college included the walkway proposal in its 2010
Facilities
Master Plan, which has provided a roadmap for the campus growth and change
period from 2013 to 2023.
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| Source: Buffalo State Facilities Master Plan |
According to Dr. Daniel Velez, assistant to the Vice President of
Student Affairs, easier access between the college and Amherst Street would cut
down on parking congestion and create accessibility to local businesses.
The walkway would extend the campus’ footprint, with the hopes of
providing students with access to Grant Street and other neighborhoods. “It would be great for
students to have easier access to the neighborhoods,” Velez said.
Before the project can move further, the college has to explore
issues of safety and security.
“We want to make sure it’s safe for students and well-lit,” Velez
said.
Mark Kubiniec, owner of Joe’s Service Center at the corner
of Amherst Street and Elmwood Avenue and head of the Grant/Amherst
Business Association, says he and
fellow Amherst Street business owners would welcome a direct contact with
Buffalo State. He sees the walkway not only as a way to
bring students from Buffalo State to Amherst and Grant, but something that
makes living in the neighborhood more attractive.
“Right now, it’s awkward for students to get to school from Amherst,”
Kubiniec said. “There are just all
the bridges in the way, which makes the commute not the easiest. But there
really is no down-side to it.”