Public hearing on Artpark amphitheater expansion scheduled

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will hold a public hearing regarding a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on a proposal to upgrade and expand the outdoor amphitheater and support facilities at the Earl W. Brydges Artpark in Lewiston.

The project involves the upgrade and enhancement of the outdoor amphitheater and support facilities at Artpark, including a new stage; new seating and viewing areas; enhanced parking and access roads; new concession facilities and restrooms; and ancillary support facilities. It also includes facilities for family-oriented arts and crafts and visual arts programming. The DEIS describes potential environmental impacts and mitigation of those that may be adverse. Major areas that have been evaluated with respect to impacts include: noise, potentially contaminated soils, construction impacts and traffic impacts.

The hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, in the Village of Lewiston Hall, 145 N. Fourth St.

Copies of the DEIS are available for public review at the park and Niagara Falls State Park administration office at Prospect Point, as well as at the Lewiston Public Library. The DEIS is also available online at: www.nysparks.com/inside-our-agency/public-documents.aspx.

All persons interested in Artpark are urged to attend the hearing. For those who cannot make it, written comments may be e-mailed to [email protected] or the following address by March 25: Mark Thomas, western district director, NYS Parks, P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls, NY 14303.