Committee works to erect 3407 memorial

CLARENCE CENTER, N.Y. (WIVB) - Here in western New York, plans are taking shape for two permanent memorials to the lives lost in the crash of Flight 3407.

They are the images that western New Yorkers will never forget, especially those who lost loved ones on board Flight 3407, and those who live here on Long Street in Clarence Center.

The lot is now vacant where Karen Wielinski's house once stood. She lost her husband Doug when the plane crashed into their house. And next door, the property is for sale and may never sell. The empty land is a reminder of what took place on that cold night in February.

A memorial committee is now considering what to put here on the site.

Mike Powers of the 3407 Memorial Committee said, "Because that is really the most sensitive issue, and we wanna make sure it's something that the Long Street folks are happy with."

Powers says this site will have a small, understated memorial. A lot of ideas came into the 3407 Memorial Committee, but ultimately, it is private property, and Karen Wielinski will make the final decision.

"Karen not only lost her husband, she lost her house, memories, and she was there, so it's hard to imagine a greater impact than has hit her," explained Powers.

A second memorial will be placed near Town Hall, most likely by the library. Town Supervisor Scott Bylewski welcomes a public remembrance. He said, "It should be something in keeping with the lives of the loved ones and their families wishes and all the effort of the community dealing with last February."

The memorial committee will be sitting down with Long Street homeowners in the next month. Over 40 designs were submitted for the site by the UB architecture and planning school.