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Niagara University and the New York Power Authority held an event today to celebrate the official grand opening of Campus Parkway, the university's reconfigured entrance from Witmer Road.
The project was completed last fall as part of a $5.5 million shared campus initiative to upgrade and enhance the facilities, roadways and parking lots that connect NYPA's Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant and the Niagara University campus.
Campus Parkway, which opened to traffic Nov. 6, was significantly enriched with new rock wall signage, lighting, landscaping and a way-finding station. As a result, it has since replaced Route 104 as NU's main campus entrance.
"We are extremely grateful to our partners at the New York Power Authority for working with us to dramatically improve the first impression we make on people who visit our campus," said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. "Through this collaborative process, we are continuing to enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of our local community."
The shared campus initiative includes the realignment and reconstruction of roads and parking lots, covering approximately 20 acres of shared property between the two campuses. Specifically, the project has improved road lighting, grading and drainage, and established a mile-long, shared-use bicycle and pedestrian "Power Path" that connects NYPA's Power Vista visitors center with Reservoir State Park.
The project also added security cameras to enhance the safety of NYPA visitors and students in the shared Power Vista parking lots.
"As neighbors and partners, NYPA and Niagara University also share a commitment to environmental stewardship," said Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. "Our collaboration on the campus upgrades gave utmost consideration to improving the overall safety, security, mobility and aesthetics of our shared properties, using sustainable and environmentally friendly best practices. The success of this project reinforces Niagara University's reputation as an academic leader and provides an outstanding example of a fully sustainable college campus."
Thursday's event was held in conjunction with Earth Week activities taking place at Niagara University and NYPA's Power Vista visitors center, given the project's focus on sustainability. The work on the roadway and pedestrian path included:
To learn more about the New York Power Authority, visit www.nypa.gov.
Additional information on Niagara University can be found at www.niagara.edu.