Some bus riders concerned about bus stop changes in North Utica
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: December 5, 2012
Using the bus to get to his destinations, Larry Baker says getting all
his goods to take home is now an inconvenience because of recent bus
stop changes at the North Utica Shopping Center.
"You're out here in the middle of the winter and the wind blows," he said. "Before we were up against the building and it was protected."
Ronald Bucciero, General Manager of Centro of Oneida says this is how it was several years ago, but over the last few years stops have been added.
Instead of dropping off near the dollar store and Price Shopper, Bucciero says the owner of the shopping center said due to congestion, the bus had to use the stop near First Niagara Bank.
"I feel sorry for those that are disabled, figure how much harder it's going to be for those who don't walk well," said bus rider, Bernice Lenio.
After learning about complaints from residents, Utica Councilwoman Samantha Colosimo-Testa is trying to reach a compromise with Centro and AMA Properties, the center's owner.
"We were trying to find a way where we can get the buses from not being too congested and moving toward the shopping center," said Colosimo-Testa.
The Councilwoman says she reached out to AMA Properties, LLC last Thursday, but has not yet heard back.
When Eyewitness News contacted the owner, Patrick Agen, his response was a firm "no comment" in regard to the situation.
And for at least one bus rider, he says because of the changes, his next grocery store stop isn't going to be in the North Utica Shopping Center.
"The one exit at Walmart as soon as you walk out, the bus is right there. People can wait inside, stay warm, get on the bus easier, and it's right where they keep all the carts," said David Ingro.
"You're out here in the middle of the winter and the wind blows," he said. "Before we were up against the building and it was protected."
Ronald Bucciero, General Manager of Centro of Oneida says this is how it was several years ago, but over the last few years stops have been added.
Instead of dropping off near the dollar store and Price Shopper, Bucciero says the owner of the shopping center said due to congestion, the bus had to use the stop near First Niagara Bank.
"I feel sorry for those that are disabled, figure how much harder it's going to be for those who don't walk well," said bus rider, Bernice Lenio.
After learning about complaints from residents, Utica Councilwoman Samantha Colosimo-Testa is trying to reach a compromise with Centro and AMA Properties, the center's owner.
"We were trying to find a way where we can get the buses from not being too congested and moving toward the shopping center," said Colosimo-Testa.
The Councilwoman says she reached out to AMA Properties, LLC last Thursday, but has not yet heard back.
When Eyewitness News contacted the owner, Patrick Agen, his response was a firm "no comment" in regard to the situation.
And for at least one bus rider, he says because of the changes, his next grocery store stop isn't going to be in the North Utica Shopping Center.
"The one exit at Walmart as soon as you walk out, the bus is right there. People can wait inside, stay warm, get on the bus easier, and it's right where they keep all the carts," said David Ingro.
