2nd Bridge Seems Likely To Area Residents; Want More Say In Community Benefits

DETROIT (WWJ) - Residents in southwest Detroit marched this Sunday to ensure they're not forgotten if a second international  bridge is built between Detroit and Windsor over the Detroit River.

Many support a second bridge but they want to make sure a community benefit agreement is approved in the state legislator.

The pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, the Reverend Jeffrey Baker, tells WWJ's Beth Fisher what they want.

"That would mean air (quality) would be improved in this community, truck traffic would be improved in this community, right now, many of our residents see more than 100-200 trucks going down residential streets," said Rev. Baker.

Frank Rodrigez lives in the neighborhood and wants community benefits: " ... something we have to get more accostomed to - new projects as they go around, because this is going to effect West Michigan, could be in Pennsilvania doesn't matter ... neighborhood organizations need community benefits," he said.

Area residents are looking to have improved air quality and less truck traffic through the neighborhood. Most residents feel the second bridge will happen despite a recent defeat in the Michigan legislature.

And even though a legislative committee said no to a second bridge this past week, Governor Rick Snyder supports it.