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Public commenters urge EIS for Brent Spence/I‑75 expansion, citing climate and equity concerns
Summary
Multiple public commenters asked the committee to call on DOT for a full environmental impact study on the Brent Spence/I‑75 expansion, arguing that highway widening will increase traffic, emissions and environmental justice burdens while transit investments would be cheaper and less disruptive.
Three public commenters told the Climate, Environment and Infrastructure committee they want a full environmental impact study (EIS) on planned highway expansion (Brent Spence/I‑75) and urged the city to consider transit alternatives.
Amy Townsend Small said transportation is the leading source of greenhouse‑gas emissions in the United States and argued that expanding highways "leads to increased traffic...and greenhouse gas emissions in our region," countering the mayor and council’s sustainability goals. She urged the committee to seek a full EIS and to consider transit options that would improve access between downtown and the airport and support the city’s competitiveness for events.
Dr. Bob Hyland told the committee he was "disheartened" by the contrast between high interest in transit among younger residents and large proposed highway spending. He cited cost comparisons during his remarks, saying BRT investment is about $370 million while highway expansion figures discussed were on the order of billions. "I implore you to call upon DOT to conduct an EIS because it's the right thing to do," Hyland said, warning of a decade or more of construction disruption and disproportionate burdens on Camp Washington, CUF, West End and Queensgate.
A third commenter, Rowan, asked the council to pursue an EIS and also asked the mayor to restore bus stops 21 and 78 at Government Square Area D, saying the removals have hurt West Side and uptown riders.
City staff did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting. Council members heard the comments and discussed the Western Hills Viaduct presentation that followed. The committee did not record any administrative action directed to the DOT or a formal referral during this session; public commenters asked the committee to request an EIS of state‑managed work.
