Grisanti sponsors bill to rename Scajaquada pedestrian bridge as new '9/11 Memorial Bridge'

Today, the New York State Senate passed a resolution to rename the Scajaquada pedestrian bridge that connects Nottingham Terrace with Hoyt Lake as a memorial honoring people killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Local community activists have been working on this plan for more than two years. State Sen. Mark Grisanti is the sponsor of the bill. If it passes in the Assembly, it would amend the highway law to designate the bridge that crosses over New York State Route 198 into Delaware Park in Buffalo as the "9/11 Memorial Bridge."

Since 2003, the bridge has been the site of an annual remembrance celebration on Sept. 11 where local firefighters, police, EMS and soldiers have paid tribute to victims of the attacks. Activities have included speeches, wreath laying and testimonials.

"For more than nine years, this bridge connecting Nottingham Terrace to Hoyt Lake has been a unifying factor for those who wish to remember the victims of the worst attack to ever occur in the United States," Grisanti said. "By officially naming it the '9/11 Memorial Bridge,' we can not only honor the sacrifice these individuals made with their lives, but also give the community a spot to come together to never forget. I know that all my colleagues in the Senate are patriots who will vote 'yes' on this important naming project."

Laurie Kostrzewski, who has worked on this project for more than two years, envisions a large, 30-foot flagpole, signs and a plaque honoring the victims who had ties to Buffalo. She and others have met with local city, county and state officials to educate them on their plans and secure funding for the elements needed to make it a proper memorial.

"I am thankful that Senator Grisanti has championed the 9/11 Memorial Bridge in the Senate," she said. "He has diligently worked with us and guided our efforts throughout this process. It is my hope that his colleagues will recognize the importance to our community of the creation of this memorial, and both houses should pass the legislation in time for the 11^th anniversary."