Former Bethlehem Steel Site Prime for Redevelopment and Job Creation by Companies like FedEx, But Critical Traffic Upgrades Would Make Site Even More Attractive

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to expeditiously review and approve traffic pattern upgrades at the entrance of the former Bethlehem Steel site in Hamburg, which is prime for redevelopment and could create hundreds of new jobs in Western new York. Schumer explained that the installation of a traffic signal and an access lane to the site could be the final step in attracting new companies, like FedEx, to Hamburg, but that a prolonged review by the State Dept. of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration could put that on hold and discourage companies looking to relocated to Hamburg in the short-term. Therefore Schumer is calling on the NYS DOT and FHWA to expedite their review and approval of these upgrades, and if necessary, use federal highway dollars to pay for the improvements. FedEx recently expressed interest in establishing a presence at the Former Bethlehem Steel Property, but the poor traffic plan and resulting congestion are a disincentive to setting up shop at the site.

"The former Bethlehem Steel site has massive, job-creating potential and a few key traffic pattern upgrades could be the final piece in the puzzle in attracting new companies, like FedEx, to relocate there. That's why I want the federal highway officials and the New York State DOT to put the pedal to the metal on funding, reviewing and approving these upgrades to connect Route 5 with the entrance of the former Bethlehem Steel building," said Schumer. "We invest heavily in transportation with federal dollars, and those resources ought to be put to use in this case; quickly approving a new traffic signal and access lane will be like a green light to companies looking to invest in Western New York."

"As we work to redevelop this site and attract new businesses to the town of Hamburg we need an all hands on deck approach. Senator Schumer's efforts to expedite the review for a new traffic pattern at the entrance to the site is critical to making the site as competitive as possible. I look forward to continuing to work with the Senator, and stakeholders at the state and local level to advance this project, and bring new jobs to Western New York," said Town of Hamburg Supervisor Steve Walters.

The former Bethlehem Steel site in Hamburg is a 129-acre parcel along Route 5 that is currently seeking new tenants. The Town of Hamburg and the Hamburg IDA have both endorsed the proposal to install a new traffic signal and an access break to connect the entrance of the site directly to Route 5 and make the location even more attractive to potential tenants. These relatively simple traffic pattern upgrades, Schumer said, could make all the difference in bringing a new company -- with potentially hundreds of jobs -- to Hamburg. But the NYS DOT and the Federal Highway Administration must review the proposal and the expected timetable could be up to a year or more. Schumer is now urging the NYS DOT and FHWA to speed up that timeline and quickly review these projects to unlock the site's full potential.

Typically, construction of traffic signals at sites like the one in Hamburg can be delayed because transportation officials do not always account for expected growth at a site -- and merely rely on current traffic patterns to make decisions. In the case of this site in Hamburg, with potential large employers reviewing the site, Schumer wants transportation officials to take that projected growth into account when evaluating the need for a change in the traffic pattern.

"Western New York is quickly becoming a hub for the shipping and logistics industry, due to its strategic location near the Canadian border and on key shipping routes. The former Bethlehem Steel site is perfect for such companies, because it offers a sizeable space and is close to these important shipping routes. Connecting the facility more directly to Route 5 would only increase the appeal for a company to locate in Hamburg," said Schumer. Schumer vowed to work to convince companies like FedEx that Western New York, and the Hamburg site in particular, is a great place to locate their business.

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