A4914B
An act to amend the Highway Law; designate the bridge on State Route 34B crossing Salmon Creek, Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, as the Peter Wheeler Memorial Bridge — 2024-05-29 · Calendar #1358
The Senate unanimously passed Assembly Bill 4914B, sponsored by Assemblymember Kelles, designating the bridge on State Route 34B crossing Salmon Creek in the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County, as the Peter Wheeler Memorial Bridge. The bill received 60 affirmative votes. Sen. Webb explained her support, detailing the life of Peter Wheeler, an enslaved man born in 1789 who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the region but escaped with assistance from local abolitionists including the Ludlow brothers. Wheeler went on to become a sea merchant and published an autobiography. The Town of Lansing passed a resolution supporting the bridge designation to honor Wheeler's memory and acknowledge the community's historical connection to slavery while recommitting to principles of human dignity and respect.
PASSED
Ayes: 60
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
Sen. Webb explained her vote in favor, providing historical context on Peter Wheeler, an enslaved man born in 1789 who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Tompkins County but eventually escaped with help from local abolitionists. Wheeler became a sea merchant and published an autobiography. The Town of Lansing seeks to honor his memory and acknowledge the community's dark history of slavery by naming the newly constructed bridge after him.