Empire State Development public notices

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) today released the results of its Outer Harbor “Capital Planning Phase” public survey.  The qualitative survey, which was conducted both online and in-person, was part of the agency’s first community meeting to seek public input for three projects focusing on access and the activation of over 150 acres of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.  View results of the survey here. Beautiful, natural, enjoyable, peaceful, relaxing, vast/open, but also disconnected were some of the frequently recurring words used to describe the Outer Harbor. Many respondents view the Outer Harbor as a place for a variety of outdoor activities, a natural escape from the city with great views and beautiful sunsets. They expressed a desire for the Outer Harbor to maintain usable green space while adding basic amenities and better public access to the water. While the Outer Harbor has improved, according to respondents, most want to see a continuation of natural development. Many recurring themes and ideas centered around a desire for more trails, nature preserves, lake access, restrooms, swimming/beaches, boating amenities, restaurants, and events, among other responses. The survey results will help inform the project alternatives for the following areas: First Buffalo River Marina, Wilkeson Pointe to the Bell Slip, and Terminal B.  The projects are part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s vision for a dramatic transformation of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.  Click here for a map of areas that will see improvements. The survey, conducted by Bergmann, was distributed at a July 11 public meeting and was available online from July 9, 2018 to August 13, 2018.  There were 290 respondents to the survey (237 to the online survey and 53 in-person at the open house). The gender of respondents was skewed slightly more to females over males. Slightly more than 40 percent of responses were from people aged 50-69, but people aged 30-49 were also well represented. Nearly half of respondents reported they live in the City of Buffalo, while the remainder reported living in the surrounding cities, towns, and villages; confirming that the Outer Harbor is currently a regional asset and not a huge tourist attraction. Most respondents proved to be knowledgeable of the Outer Harbor, having been able to identify key locations of the site when asked to pick from a list. While one-third of respondents enjoy the Outer Harbor on a weekly basis, two-thirds visit once a month or less. ECHDC is currently working on capital planning for the following projects: 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 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 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 next public meeting will be Monday, November 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at a to-be-determined location near the Buffalo waterfront.  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) | pamm.lent@esd.ny.gov | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313 Laura Magee (ECHDC) | laura.magee@esd.ny.gov | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313