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ECHDC Holding Open House and Listening Session

Public’s Input Sought for Buffalo Outer Harbor Projects

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Chairman Robert Gioia today announced that the agency plans to hold the first of three community meetings to seek public input for three projects focusing on the improvement of access and activation of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.  The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Canalside VIP Tent in Buffalo.

“We are excited to have an opportunity to gather public feedback as we make plans to improve the Buffalo Outer Harbor for the enjoyment of residents and tourists,” Gioia said. “This is your waterfront. Take time to learn about each of the projects. Your comments, ideas and concerns are needed to inform and shape the projects going forward.”

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the Open House to learn more about the following projects:

1. Northern Site: First Buffalo River Marina

  • 15 acres
  • Enhance public access
  • Maintain 115-slip marina
  • Enhance Queen City Bike Ferry access
  • Identify potential adaptive reuses of the Connecting Terminal grain elevator
  • Consider long term development potential

2. Central Site: Wilkeson Pointe to Bell Slip

  • 124 acres
  • Includes Michigan Pier and Wilkeson Pointe
  • Includes Slips 2 and 3 and Bell Slip
  • Consider improvements that will enhance access and visitor experience
  • Discuss natural community habitats

3. Southern Site: Terminal B

  • 15 acres
  • Approximately 96,000 square foot one story building
  • Program study for metal frame building
  • Identify uses most appropriate for the site
  • Proximate to exterior events lawn, currently under construction

The purpose of the meeting is to engage the public and stakeholders in program development. Attendees will be provided project background by the consultant team to help inform opportunities and constraints. You are encouraged to give your perspective by providing comments at one of the project stations located at the Open House, filling out a comment card and/or participating in the survey in person or online.

For more information, please go to https://outerharborbuffalo.com/accessandactivation/

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty.

Contact:

Pamm Lent (Governor’s Office) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313

Laura Magee (ECHDC) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313