WELCOMEMetro Rail Expansion Project Public Open House Meeting

Comment during the meeting:Record your comment on a comment card

Mail comments to:Metro Rail Expansion Project

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority 181 Ellicott StreetBuffalo, NY 14203

Submit comments online or by email:www.NFTAMetroRailExpansion.com

railx@nfta.com

METRO RAIL HISTORY

NFTA proposes a 43 mile network of rapid transit rail lines, including a 14 mile line from Downtown Buffalo to Amherst

1960sNFTA updates Strategic Assessment to identify 4 corridors for future investmentAmherst ranks highest

2010GBNRTC initiates comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) study to support AA

GBNRTC and NFTA hold stakeholder and community workshops to discuss TOD and smart growth opportunities along the proposed alignment

Metro Rail opens as a 6.4 mile light rail line from Downtown Buffalo to University Station

1985

NFTA initiates Transit Options Amherst-Buffalo Alternatives Analysis (AA) for Amherst corridor

2012

Metro Rail Concept

2017

Locally Preferred Alternative is refined, based on stakeholder input

2018

2017

NFTA completes 3-tier screening evaluation to identify Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)Light rail ranks highest

2016

Strategic Assessment

Update

Transit-Oriented

Development Study

LPA Identified

LPA Refinement

SEQRA / NEPA PROCESS• An Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared in accordance with the

State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)• Niagara Frontier Metro System, Inc is the lead agency for SEQRA review • EIS will be prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) to allow future federal funding

2018 2019 2020

JANUARY JANUARY / FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL -

DECEMBER WINTER WINTER SPRING SUMMER

Establish Lead Agency

Scoping Comment

Period Begins /Scoping Meeting

Scoping Comment

Period Ends

Prepare DEIS

Release DEIS / Public Comment

Period Begins

Public Hearing

DEIS Public Comment

Period Ends

FEIS / Statement of

Findings

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

ACRONYMSDEIS Draft Environmental Impact StatementFEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement

NEPA National Environmental Policy ActSEQRA New York State Environmental Quality Review Act

SCHEDULE

2018 2019 2020

Locally Preferred Alternative

- Alternative Analysis (2013)- Transit Oriented Development Study (2017)- LPA Refinement (2018)

EnvironmentalReview

- Scoping- Draft Environmental Impact Statement- Final Environmental Impact Statement- Statement of Findings- Conceputal Engineering

ConceptualEngineering

- Right-of-way- Station site plans- Cost estimates- Utilities- Traffic

FTA Capital Investment Grants Program

- Project Development- 30% Engineering Design- Final design- Full funding grant agreement- Construction

2021 2025(dependent on funding)

Final Design and Construction

2030(dependent on funding)

PROPOSED ACTION

! Proposed Station

At-grade

Metro Rail Expansion

Existing Station!Existing Metro Rail Line

Proposed Park & Ride!!P

Tunnel

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

Amherst

LaSalle!!

Amherst

Tonawanda

Buffalo

Cheektowaga

0 0.5 1 1.5Miles

Englewood Avenue

Englewood Avenue

Mille

rspor

t Hig

hway

Kensington A

venue

Kensington A

venue

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

Sheridan Drive

Maple Road

Nia

gara

Fal

ls Bo

ulev

ard

Egge

rt R

oad

Baile

y Av

enue

Sweet Home

EllicottComplex

I-990

Maple

BoulevardMall

Eggert

Decatur

University

City and Town Boundary

¯Proposed Storage/Light Maintenance Facility

UB SOUTHCAMPUS

UB NORTHCAMPUS

Existing Park & Ride!!P

Eggert Road

Flint

Lee

Audubon Town Center

Lee

Flint

Kenmore AvenueKenmore Avenuek

Portal

§̈¦990

§̈¦290

§̈¦

290

§̈¦290

!!P

!!P

!!P

!!P

Main Street

!!

k

k

kkkk

The Proposed Action extends the existing Metro Rail from University Station to I-990 and includes ten stations, two with park & ride facilities, and a storage/light maintenance facility.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

Campus Connection: Extends 7 miles in 22 minutes from I-990 to University Station (additional 22 minutes from Erie Canal Harbor Station to University Station)

Job Access: 143,288 jobs are forecast to be accessibly by Metro Rail, adding to the 84,133 jobs accessible today

Regional Investment: $600 million of federal investment in our community

More Space to Live, Work, and Play: 8.4 million square feet of residential, retail office, and institutional offerings are projected along the corridor

A Growing Future: Billions of direct, indirect, and induced economic impact

Transit Access for Residents: 104,925 residents are forecast to live in the corridor in 2040 (68,084 live along the Metro Rail corridor today)

Sustainability and Reliability: Zero on-site air emissions, and is safer and more reliable than cars or buses, especially in the winter

One Seat Ride: No transfers while riding the line

STATION CONCEPTS

!

!

!

!

!

!

I-990center platform

Audubon Town Centercenter platform

Ellicott Complexside platform

Leeside platform

Flintside platform

Sweet Homecenter platform

Mapleside platform

BoulevardMallside platform

Eggertside platform

Decaturside platform

University

NFTA administered a survey on station design and connections throughout the summer and received 457 responses. These responses have informed the station design.

Survey respondents noted a preference for center or side platform stations for reasons including user-friendliness, pedestrian access and safety, as well as cost.

Step 2: Identify Historic Properties

Step 3: Assess Adverse Effects

Step 4: Resolve Adverse Effects

Assess effects on historic resources

Apply criteria of adverse effect

Avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse effects

Notify ACHP of adverse effectsCreate resolution document (MOA/PA)

NO

NO

NO

NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT SECTION 106 PROCESS

Step 1: Initiate the Process

Define undertaking Initiate Section 106Identify consulting parties Involve the public

Define project impact areaIdentify known historic properties and archaeological sites

CONSULTA

T I

O

N

Does the undertaking have the potential to cause effects?

Are historic properties present and affected?

Are historic properties adversely affected

Agreement (MOA/PA) or council comment

P R O C E S S C O M P L E T E

POTENTIAL HISTORIC RESOURCES

!!

!!

3

! Proposed StationProposed Alignment

Metro Rail Expansion

Proposed Park & Ride!!P

Proposed Storage/Light Maintenance Facility

Existing Station!Existing Metro Rail Line

§̈¦990

§̈¦290

§̈¦

290

§̈¦290

!!P

Eggert Road

Project Impact Area ¯0 0.5 1 1.5

Miles

1

1

5

Major Prevous Archaeological Survey*

Minor Prevous Archaeological Survey*

2

* Sourced from the State Historic Preservation Office of Cultural Resources Information System Database

Englewood Avenue

Englewood Avenue

Mille

rspor

t Hig

hway

Sheridan Drive

Maple Road

Nia

gara

Fal

ls Bo

ulev

ard

Egge

rt R

oad

Baile

y Av

enue

Sweet Home

EllicottComplex

I-990

Maple RidgeBoulevard

Mall

Eggert

Decatur

University

!!P

!!P

!!PLaSalle

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

!!

!!

Kenmore Avenue

2

1

4

3

FlintFlint

LeeLee

Audubon Town Center

!!

!!

!!

! Proposed StationProposed Alignment

Metro Rail Expansion

Proposed Park & Ride!!P

Proposed Storage/Light Maintenance Facility

Existing Station!Existing Metro Rail Line

§̈¦990

§̈¦290

§̈¦

290

§̈¦290

!!P

Eggert Road

Project Impact Area

! Previously Surveyed Property*

Historic District

*Sourced from the State Historic Preservation Office Cultural Resource Information System database

¯0 0.5 1 1.5

Miles

Englewood Avenue

Englewood Avenue

Mille

rspor

t Hig

hway

Sheridan Drive

Maple Road

Nia

gara

Fal

ls Bo

ulev

ard

Egge

rt R

oad

Baile

y Av

enue

Sweet Home University

at Buffalo A

Universityat Buffalo B

EllicottComplex

Audubon

I-990

Maple RidgeBoulevard

Mall

Eggert

Decatur

University

!!P

!!P

!!PLaSalle

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

!!

!!

Kenmore Avenue

Kenmore Avenue

Larchmont Road

Niagara Falls Blvd

Allenhurst Road

Capen Blvd

Mai

n Stre

et

Capen Blvd Historic District

University at BuffaloSouth Campus

University ParkHistoric District

Architectural Resources Archaeological Resources

TRAFFIC ANALYSIS

Level of service (A-C)

Level of service (D)

Level of service (E-F)

An analysis of twenty intersections was conducted to determine the effects that the Proposed Action would have on traffic operations within the corridor. Level of service (LOS) is reported based on the average vehicle delay experienced at an intersection.

LOS A through D represent what is generally considered to be acceptable motorist delays. LOS E and F reflect congested to extremely congested traffic conditions. The results of traffic analysis for the PM peak period are shown here.

NOISE AND VIBRATION ANALYSIS

Analysis following Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, September 2018

• Identified sensitive receptors (e.g., residences, schools, places of worship, historic buildings, and parks)

• Collected noise measurements

• Conducted outreach to determine vibration-sensitive activities or equipment

In-Progress

• Model future conditions during construction and operation of light rail expansion

• Determine potential mitigation measures

100

40

70

80

90

60

50

Outdoor Indoor

Rock Drill

Jack HammerConcrete Mixer

Air CompressorLawn Mower

Lawn TilerAir Conditioner

All at 50 ft All at 3 ft

Shop Tools, in use

Shop Tools, idling

Food Blender

Clothes Washer

Air Conditioner

Refrigerator

Rail Transit on Old Steel Structure 50 mph

Rail Transit HornRail Transit on Modern Concrete

Rail Transit At-Grade, 50 mphAerial Structure, 50 mph

City Bus, idling

Rail Transit in Station

All at 50 ft

POTENTIAL NOISE AND VIBRATION MITIGATION

!!

Mille

rspor

t Hig

hway

Kensington A

venue

Kensington A

venue

Englewood Avenue

Englewood Avenue

§̈¦

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

!!

Amherst

Tonawanda

Buffalo

Cheektowaga

Potential Noise Impact ¯

LaSalle

Sheridan DriveSheri

§̈

§̈

¦290

d

290

an Drive

Baile

y

Aven

ue

Main

Stree

¦

t

Maple Road

0 0.5 1 1.5Miles

! Proposed StationProposed Alignment

Metro Rail Expansion

Existing Station!Existing Metro Rail Line

Proposed Park & Ride!!P

City and Town BoundaryProposed Storage/Light Maintenance Facility

LaSalle

!!P

!!P

!!P

!!P

Existing Park & Ride!!P

Eggert Road

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

Aud

ubon

Par

kway

I-990

EllicottComplex

Sweet Home

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Swee

t Hom

e Ro

ad

Maple Boulevard

Mall

Nia

gara

Falls

Boul

evar

d

Eggert

Decatur

University

Flint

Lee

Audubon Town Center

Lee

Flint

The preliminary noise analysis has identified an area of potential impacts related to Metro Rail operations. NFTA is reviewing potential mitigation measures to reduce the area of potential impacts. Potential mitigation measures include the following:

• Noise barriers• Vehicle skirts• Eliminating at grade crossings• Strict maintenance of vehicles and track• New vehicles• Adjustments to Metro Rail operations (e.g., fewer trains, reduced speeds, safety measures)

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

Open House MeetingKick off meeting to

present the results of the Locally Preferred

Alternative re-evaluation

Scoping MeetingOpportunity for the public to provide comments on the

draft scope of work for the environmental impact statementOver 80 people attended and 33 comments were received

An additional station was added on Niagara Falls Boulevard based on public input

Pop Up Events • Allen Medical Campus Station• LaSalle Station• University Station• Metro Bus Route #34• University at Buffalo and community libraries

Stakeholder Group Meetings

Engaged over 700 peoplethrough meetings, pop-up events, and an interactive project website

Feb 2019

Dec 2018

• Audubon HOA• Buffalo Niagara Partnership• Hartford Estates / North Bailey HOA• Kenmore Rotary• Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce• Tonawanda Neighborhood Watch• Willow Ridge Civic Association

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON PARKWAY CROSS SECTION

8’ shoulder 12’ SB Lane 12’ SB Lane 6’ shoulder

37’ median

113’

6’ shoulder 12’ NB Lane 12’ NB Lane

8’ shoulder

Existing Section at John James Audubon - Walton Woods

Proposed Section at John James Audubon - Walton Woods

120’ (proposed ROW)

113’ (existing ROW)

6’ shoulder

37’ median12’ NB Lane12’ SB Lane8’ shoulder 6’ clear 6’ clear15’ track CL totrack CL

3’ clear 4’ grass 10’ path

MAPLE ROAD CROSS SECTION

Existing Section at Maple Road - Hillcrest Drive

96’

Parking lot 13’ grass 4’ sidewalk 7’ grass 2’ gutter

10’ right TL

11’ WB Lane

11’ WB Lane

12’ Center TL

11’ EB Lane

11’ EB Lane

2’ gutter 20’ grass 6’ sidewalk 40’ landscaping

Proposed Section at Maple Road - Hillcrest Drive120’ (proposed ROW)

96’ (existing ROW)

Parking lot

9’ grass

5’ sidewalk

5’ grass

12’ WB Lane

12’ WB Lane

5’ bike lane

1’ clear

13’ platform

5’ clear

14’ track CL to track CL

5’ clear

13’ platform

1’ clear 12’ EB

Lane12’ EB Lane

5’ bike lane

5’ sidewalk

5’ grass

27’ landscaping

NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARD CROSS SECTION

Existing Section NFB - North of Longmeadow Rd

79’

5’ sidewalk

3’grass 13’ SB Lane 12’ SB Lane 12’ Center TL12’ NB Lane 12’ NB Lane

5’ sidewalk

5’grass

Proposed Section NFB - North of Longmeadow Rd

81’ (proposed ROW)

79’ (existing ROW)

5’ sidewalk

3’grass 9’ shoulder 11’ SB Lane 14’ track CL to track CL 11’ NB Lane

3’ grass9’ shoulder6’ clear 6’ clear

4’ sidewalk

NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARDCROSS SECTION

Existing Section NFB - Treadwell Side Platform

13’ SB Lane6’ sidewalk 12’ SB Lane 13’ SB Lane 12’ SB Left TL 4’ median 11’ NB Lane 12’ NB Lane 12’ NB Lane 7’ sidewalk2’ grass

Proposed Section NFB - Treadwell Side Platform

Parkinglot

5’ sidewalk

5’grass 5’ bike

lane11’ SB lane 11’ SB lane

2’ clear

13’ Platform

5’ clear14’ track CL to track CL 5’ clear 2’ clear

13’ platform11’ NB lane 11’ NB lane

5’ bike lane

5’ grass

6’ sidewalk

102’

129’ (proposed ROW)

102’ (existing ROW)

Parkinglot

SWEET HOME ROADCROSS SECTION

Existing Section Sweet Home North of I-90 Overpass

91’

5’ sidewalk

6’grass 5’ bike

lane11’ SB lane 11’ SB lane 15’ Center TL

11’ SB lane 11’ SB lane5’

sidewalk5’

grass6’ bike

lane

Proposed Section Sweet Home North of I-90 Overpass

95’ (proposed ROW)

91’ (existing ROW)

5’ sidewalk

5’ bike lane

11’ SB lane 11’ SB lane11’ NB lane 11’ NB lane

5’ bike lane

5’ sidewalk

3’ grass

7’ clear 14’ Track CL to Track CL

7’ clear