Update on old Route 219 high level bridge

Editor:
Since the closing of the old 219 Bridge, our village and businesses have been struggling. Most of these businesses rely on out-of-town patrons and pass-through traffic traveling along South Cascade Drive.

Justified or not, the New York State Department of Transportation’s action to close the old 219 Bridge has forced all Springville businesses to adapt and make the best of a challenging situation. Small business owners, employees and local patrons deserve our sincerest collective appreciation.

The Springville Area Chamber of Commerce has proven instrumental to local businesses in providing a central point of contact for information and in helping to develop survival strategies for the central business district and its businesses during this difficult time.

Lastly, Senator Pat Gallivan and his office deserve thanks, not for just his support of our area, but for being both accessible and accountable to the small businesses and residents of Springville.

The senator’s effort to have additional signage placed on southbound Route 219 notifying passing motorists that our businesses are still open and accessible and his persistence with transportation officials from the NYSDOT and Governor Andrew Cuomo’s staff in Albany were both critical for Springville. Due to the latter, the NYSDOT has completed its safety review two weeks early and is finally beginning the repair process.

Over 60 businesses call South Cascade Drive home while hundreds of others in this community earn their living in the central business district and, according to the NYSDOT, the necessary repairs will still take several more weeks to complete.

Senator Gallivan has assured us that he will continue to be accessible to area businesses and the community to insure that the NYSDOT is accountable to Springville’s residents until traffic is restored.

Michael A. Benson
Springville