04/14/09: Buffalo Common Council Wants Central Terminal on Track with High Speed Rail Plans

Original YNN Buffalo Air Date: 04/14/09
“Why would they want to come to an old derelict building on the east side,” asked Central Terminal Restoration Corporation’s Hank Olejniczak. He’s working with dozens of volunteers to improve the landmark and open it for business. But the old train station is covered in graffiti and broken windows that make it look like a rustbelt relic. Buffalo Common Council members want to turn the historic building into the hub for the high speed light rail system.
Common Council president David Francyk introduced a resolution to revive the terminal. He wants it to hop aboard President Barack Obama’s plan for high speed rail in New York.
“If we put some of the stimulus money into that structure it could be the hub for the high speed train. Why go to that little shack, as I like to call it that ‘Am-Shack’ under the bridge downtown?” While political leaders from Niagara Square to the Albany state house chart the destination for the high speed rail. Central Terminal Restoration Corporation volunteers work to revive this landmark.
“We’ve proven that people love this building and will come here any time of the day or night for the atmosphere and just be here again,” said Hank Olejniczak.
Events like Dyngus Day and Oktoberfest draw hundreds to the east side structure. The Central Terminal has amazed visitors for 80 years.