For a few months now, one of the biggest controversies that has been plaguing the Erie-east side politics has been the problem of the McBride Viaduct. Questions have been raised by community members on both sides of this debate. Should the Viaduct be demolished, or refurbished? What, if any, value does the bridge have to citizens? What is the best move for the city?

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The 1,170 foot long overpass bridge was open to traffic until June of 2010, although since then the McBride Viaduct has continued to be of use for the pedestrians of Erie (including students) who use it as an alternative to more treacherous paths. According to Erie CPR, an organization that has spearheaded local movements concerned with protecting the bridge, “ by a 4:1 ratio, children walking to school (and adults walking/ biking to work, etc.) prefer the McBride Viaduct to the East 12th and Bayfront Connector path.”

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Erie’s new Mayor, Joe Schember (who just narrowly won the mayoral race, despite an overwhelming voter-registration advantage) has taken his time at arriving at a conclusion on this issue. Several weeks ago, he seemed to be supportive of holding a community discussion about the Viaduct. Now, only months into his administration, he has flipped his position. As quoted in a recent GOERIE article, Schember is reported as having said, “I’ve studied it, and (demolition) is the direction we should go.”

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First, it is unclear what the 66 year old former PNC employee-turned-mayor “studied” when he was considering the question of the McBride Viaduct. What is also unclear is whether he has considered the very real positive social impacts that the Viaduct has had for Erie residents, specifically those on the East side. For one thing, the Viaduct has served as a walking path, utilized by school children and community members alike. It is an alternative to the sidewalk along the more dangerous, and highly trafficked Bayfront Connector.  The foremost concern of any mayoral administration in our city should be the safety and well-being of our children. Joe Schember’s decision to support the demolition of the bridge, coupled with his feeling that it should be done with expediency, is an indicator that this mayor is not dedicated to protecting Erie’s youth.

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While the safety of pedestrians is a significant concern, the Viaduct is one of the last remaining paths that bridge the gap between Erie’s east and west sides. If the Viaduct is torn down, issues of urban connectivity and isolated communities will continue to pervade. Further, the destruction of the bridge will further segregate- yes, segregate- minority communities.

Research provided by Erie CPR (the advocacy group that has supported the rehabilitation of the Viaduct) has proven that this isolation will also increase crime and other societal ills.

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The fight is still being waged. As this article is being written, several events are being planned to demand a public hearing for the question of the Viaduct. In addition, members of the community from all walks of life have come out to support the rehabilitation of the bridge and restore it as an asset of the City of Erie.

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If you are interested in joining this debate for social justice in Erie, please email John Jarecki at jpj5287@psu.edu