Representatives from national, state and local organizations and community leaders will deliver short presentations within the 90-minute all-virtual Erie Bayfront Town Hall at 7:00pm on Tuesday, August 25. The zoom link will be posted on Connect Urban Erie’s Facebook page and website ConnectUrbanErie.com.
Raul Garcia and Jill Heaps of Earth Justice, will clarify crucial differences between NEPA’s Categorical Exclusions and Environmental Assessments.
PennFuture’s Sarah Bennett will explain how expanding roadways and increasing traffic impacts water quality.
April DeSimone, NYC designer and cofounder of designing the WE, will discuss the policies, practices, and investments creating systemic inequity.
Historian and former Erie County Executive Judith Lynch will outline how the Bayfront has been
planned during the last half century. Erie County Council President Andre’ Horton will offer a
historical perspective of the Bayfront. Michael Fuhrman, the former Project Manager of
Destination Erie Regional Plan, will outline PennDOT’s misguided effort to solve “the wrong
(Bayfront) problem.” Freda Tepfer, M. Ed, a retired Orientation and Mobility Specialist, will
consider whether PennDOT’s plan provides good pedestrian access. Artist and community
activist, Samone, will explain some of the impact of eminent domain on displaced residents. The video collage artist, Roland Slade, will share a montage of Eastside residents pleading to keep their long-neglected bridge.
Erie NAACP President Gary Horton will reflect on environmental justice.
Architect Adam Trott, President of Connect Urban Erie, will outline how to build on the ErieRefocused plan by “fixing Erie’s planning process.” Cleveland architect and urban designer, Maxwell J. Hentosh, will share examples of “wonderful waterfronts” and offer a vision for Erie.
Andre Rosado, co-founder of ErieEqual, will make a call to action. Rev. Dr. Charles Mock, pastor at Community Missionary Baptist Church, and member of the African-American Concerned Clergy, will conclude the Town Hall by inspiring those listening to participate in creating Erie’s future.
