Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. Chairman Robert Gioia announced 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 from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, 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. Visitors are encouraged to give 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.
