Norquist Blasts Buffalo Waterfront Freeway Plan

Former Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist visits Buffalo to protest state DOT's plan to expand freeway infrastructure on city's Outer Harbor, calls for demolition of elevated freeway and replacement with at-grade urban boulevard.

1 minute read

September 11, 2007, 5:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


"John Norquist stood on the Lake Erie shoreline Friday and issued a warning: Buffalo is on the verge of making yet another colossal mistake."

"The former Milwaukee mayor, a politician known for remaking his city's waterfront, said New York State is about to build a freeway that hinders development of Buffalo's valuable outer harbor."

"'It's breathtakingly stupid,' Norquist said of the state's transportation plan. 'There's no reason to do something so obsolete, so out of date, so weirdly out of date.'"

"Norquist, now head of an urban planning organization, said the state's plans for rebuilding Route 5 and Fuhrmann Boulevard will continue the elevated barrier that exists today and force the city to keep the Skyway."

Thanks to Chris

Sunday, September 9, 2007 in The Buffalo News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

4 hours ago - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

5 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

6 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive