Some say that Buffalo has two seasons: winter and construction. Others, however, are trying to prove that adage wrong by transforming the Queen City's waterfront into a recreation and tourism destination that would thrive four seasons out of the year.
UB alumnus Tom Dee, the president of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), spoke at a UB Alumni Association event on Thursday at Chef's Restaurant to explain to the UB Community what's next for Buffalo's waterfront revitalization.
"The issues brought up at UB Downtown events are always current and relevant," said Mike Jankowski, the alumni office associate director of UB Downtown events. "There is probably no topic more relevant to the Buffalo community right now than what is happening with the canal site. After Bass Pro pulled out as a retail anchor, it is important that we know what is coming next. We are able to get a first hand view from an alumnus who [the UB Alumni Association] have a personal relationship with."
The ECHDC is a subsidiary of Empire State Development and its mission is to rejuvenate Buffalo's inner and outer harbor areas and restore economic growth to Western New York, based on the region's legacy of pride, urban significance and natural splendor.
The Erie Canal Harbor Redevelopment Project is a $53 million waterfront infrastructure effort focused on transforming approximately 12.5 acres of idle inner harbor land. It was first initiated in 1999.
The goal of the project is to transform the waterfront into a modern recreational and tourism destination that celebrates the site's great historical importance, while also establishing a new maritime and entertainment center in downtown Buffalo.
"We want the waterfront to encompass retail, entertainment and commercial aspects," Dee said. "The waterfront will be a place where Buffalonians can enjoy all four seasons. Having a [new] downtown ice skating rink is a big part of our vision."
After Bass Pro pulled out as a major tenant for Buffalo's waterfront in July, the ECHDC started looking for multiple tenants to develop the area. The ECHDC is currently working with local artists and retailers to create a public market space.
"The waterfront revitalization will not only provide a recreational center but it will also help Buffalo's economy," Dee said. "Through property tax, sales tax and job opportunities we will make our money back."
Some people throughout Western New York are skeptical if this project will make significant strides in the near future, but Dee is confident that the progress will speak for itself.
"We have everything a project like this needs," Dee said. "We have a vision, we have leadership and we have money. With these tools there will be measurable differences in the Waterfront within the next two years."
The community hopes that canal-side development will revolutionize Buffalo into a booming tourist spot similar to other popular waterfronts, such as the Baltimore Inner Harbor and the Boardwalk Complex in Erie, Pa.
"If you build it they will come," said Paul Hammer, the Alumni programs and events chair. "A boardwalk with unique stores, restaurants and nightclubs will encourage people to go out and enjoy the waterfront."
The Erie Canal Harbor, which is open to the public every day, is located at the intersection of Pearl Street and Marine Drive.
The harbor can be accessed through temporary entrances at the foot of Main Street and Scott Street, or by way of the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, located on the northwestern edge of the harbor site.
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Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
