WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 17, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — “This summer a record number of bicyclists, runners, families and visitors flocked to the Outer Harbor to bike and walk the trails, visit the parks, take in the lighthouse, ride the ferry, and be close to the water. Last summer the public sent a clear message that their vision for the future of the Outer Harbor includes more access that brings people to the water’s edge, improves public space, and adds amenities and places to enjoy the natural beauty of Buffalo’s front yard. The new plan released by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is a positive step forward in giving the public what they’ve asked for.
“Buffalo has tremendous momentum right now, but momentum is best when it is sustained. The $5 million investment in projects from the “Buffalo Billion” that will quickly improve the visitor experience provides a realistic and achievable approach that allows for continued momentum on our waterfront, but what is good for one side of Fuhrmann Boulevard is also good for the other side. To sustain momentum, Buffalo needs a similar approach and investments made at the property which will be transferred from the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to ECHDC. The success of the bike ferry is expected to grow next summer and the public wants and deserves more than a rusty fence as their welcome mat as they disembark and begin their enjoyment of the Outer Harbor. With ECHDC’s takeover of this property comes responsibility for public improvements and amenities on that property that match the new public demand at this landing site. I urge ECHDC to quickly embrace the public access approach along this property as well.
“The original plan by outside consultants represents an expensive reminder of a lesson we learned several years ago, that Buffalo does not need outsiders to build our waterfront when the best ideas come from the people right here, who live in and love Western New York.”
