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Niagara Square rally planned for city to 'CHOO-CHOOse' terminal

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Wed, Jan 18th 2017 06:25 pm

A public rally is being organized for Thursday morning in Niagara Square to emphasize the logic of reutilizing Buffalos historic Central Terminal as the location for Buffalo's new Amtrak station.

In light of recent structural issues with the Amtrak station on Exchange Street, four possible sites are being studied as alternatives. A growing number of community leaders and organizations have banded together to create awareness - by coordinating a grass-roots effort through social media and public events - to call attention to their endeavor in reinventing the art deco tower, while reawakening an entire neighborhood that seems to have been forgotten in the wake of Buffalo's so-called "renaissance."

The coalition, known as Station Support Team, will gather with the public in Niagara Square at 9:30 a.m., prior to a public forum inside City Hall before the train study committee, which will allow citizens to voice their opinions regarding the various proposed locations for the new rail hub.

Built in 1929, the former New York Central Terminal was the most efficient crossing site for all passenger train lines in Western New York. According to organizers, "the geography has not changed."

Individuals who are championing this location include Congressman Brian Higgins, Councilmember David Franczyk, New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy, Assemblyman Sean Ryan, the entire Buffalo Common Council and Erie County Legislature, along with community and preservation groups Forgotten Buffalo, Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood Housing Services, PUSH Buffalo and Preservation Buffalo Niagara.

Since joining forces, thousands of people have gathered at public events inside the currently vacant terminal, and signed petitions or sent letters and postcards to state and federal officials showing their support for the restoration of the landmark building.

More information can be found at the website www.allaboardct.com or allaboardct on Facebook and Twitter.

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