ECHDC unveils final Canal Side master plan: A $315m redev. effort

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. (ECHDC) board of directors and Empire State Development (ESD) upstate president and interim ECHDC president Dennis Mullen, joined with waterfront advocates, including senator Charles Schumer, congressman Brian Higgins, mayor Byron Brown, and Erie County executive Chris Collins, to unveil the plan for revitalization of the inner harbor. The Canal Side master plan, which provides a framework for the $315 million, 20-acre redevelopment effort, will establish a mixed-use waterfront destination in the city's former canal district. The updated master plan places an emphasis on the historic prominence of the canal district, with a mixed-use composition that includes additional residential offerings. The plan maintains a 150,000 s/f, three-story Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World anchor store and 200,000 s/f of additional retail space in the district. Initial costs of the project are expected to be covered by a combination of New York Power Authority (NYPA) funds received through the Niagara Power Project Re-Licensing process, public support provided by local, state and federal entities, costs incurred by Bass Pro Shops for store design, private investment from Benderson Development Co. and future tenants. The updated master plan includes: * Celebrates and evokes the unique history and character of the city's famous canal district via canal water features, cobblestone streets, canal-era building structures and a recreated "Liberty Pole," which all highlight the area's former status as the "gateway to the west." * Provides various offerings and experiences, including restaurants, entertainment venues, retail outlets, cultural attractions, vast public spaces and increased access to Lake Erie and the Buffalo River appealing to a wide-demographic of visitors and residents. * Takes the city's year-round climate fully into account and proposes seasonal programming venues and other alternatives, which provide flexibility and growth potential. * Creates a series of completely walkable "neighborhood districts" within Canal Side, defined by lively streets, expansive public-access areas and convenient, yet unobtrusive vehicle parking options. * Proposes the re-creation of Prime Slip, while refraining from more extensive development in the completed Erie Canal Harbor and Central Wharf areas, thereby maintaining the site's historical integrity. "The Canal Side project plan makes important strides to restoring waterfront vitality via a combination of residential, commercial, open space and cultural elements," said Schumer. "Public input will likely make it even better. I look forward to working closely with state and local officials to further perfect this plan for the vibrant and varied waterfront Buffalo needs and deserves." "The Canal Side vision is about building on the foundation that we have already started with this year's opening of the new Erie Canal Commercial Slip," said Higgins. "Through the development of attractive public spaces along the waterfront we create new momentum that encourages aggressive private investment into this redefined destination. This is one component of several ongoing efforts, including construction of the Outer Harbor Pwy., completion of the Greenbelt trail, transfer of the NFTA outer harbor property, a study of options for a connecting bridge and efforts to open up land at the Coast Guard site, which together will provide our region with the waterfront that the public deserves." "Today's debut of the Canal Side master plan is a considerable step toward realizing the true potential of Buffalo's Inner Harbor," said Collins. "This master plan is deeply rooted in the historic significance of the Inner Harbor, while offering exciting commercial, residential and recreational opportunities to build a brighter future for our waterfront and our entire community. I want to thank my colleagues in government for supporting this project and the members of the ECHDC for their dedication and hard work." "I have always stated that a key component of growing Buffalo's economic strength and vitality is the redevelopment of the city's waterfront, including the ongoing activities in the city's inner and outer harbors," said Brown. "This updated master plan for the Canal Side development presents intriguing ideas for a new downtown waterfront destination. I look forward to the collaboration between my Administration and the various partners involved in this effort that is necessary to make this plan a reality." "We are very excited about the rebirth of the Buffalo waterfront and the historical significance of the area. We appreciate the opportunity to build a store that reflects the outdoor traditions associated with the Erie Canal and the Western New York region," said Jim Hagale, president, Bass Pro Shops. "We certainly want to commend the city of Buffalo and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their efforts in making this project a reality." "The transformation of Buffalo's Inner Harbor is upon us," said Todd Benderson, VP, Benderson Development Co. "We appreciate having Bass Pro Shops as a partner and are pleased to see the Canal Side vision taking hold. As this effort progresses, we welcome the opportunity to play an increasingly prominent role in the creation of a truly dynamic development district, which visitors will enjoy frequenting and businesses will love to call home." "Canal Side is really about harvesting the enormous untapped potential of Buffalo's inner harbor, and creating a waterfront destination that becomes a truly special place in the hearts and minds of western New Yorkers," said Jordan Levy, chairman, ECHDC. "We continue to be blessed with the unwavering support of the governor, our congressional delegation, the mayor, the county executive and many other enthusiastic local elected officials, and for that we remain extremely appreciative." "The vision for Canal Side is, and has always been, to create something attainable and extraordinary," said Larry Quinn, vice-chairman, ECHDC. "We're confident that the master plan achieves both of those objectives, and we encourage everyone to recognize the positive impact this project will have on our great city. The completion of Erie Canal Harbor is proof-positive that WNY can get things done on the waterfront when we remedy our differences and pull collectively towards the greater goal." "On behalf of governor Paterson, chairman Wilmers and ESD president and CEO Marisa Lago, let me congratulate the people of WNY on the completion of this exciting blueprint for the redevelopment of Buffalo's inner harbor," said Mullen. "This project will be a success because of the tenacity of board member volunteers, local residents and the community. It is this passion for waterfront revitalization that makes the state of New York and Empire State Development so pleased to be involved with the Canal Side project." Several "neighborhoods" within the Canal Side development district are also outlined in the updated master plan, offering various experiences and attractions. These neighborhoods include: * Family Place/Central Place: Located in Canal Side, this family-friendly neighborhood anchored by Bass Pro Shops and numerous canal water features, offers an abundance of attractions and public access space for visitors. * Entertainment: Home to proposed waterfront restaurants, barges and recreated towpaths, this area is situated between the Donovan and Webster blocks. *Main St.: Another centerpiece of Canal Side, the project seeks to restore a vibrant Main St. corridor with shops, cafes and loft apartment residential offerings. * Riverfront: Positioned on the banks of the Buffalo River, this neighborhood respects the historic traditions of Erie Canal Harbor and the Central Wharf, while providing additional maritime opportunities and boat docking space. * Prime Slip: This "feeder" canal will be home to an intimate environment of small-scale shops, restaurants, offices and residential apartment units, infused with local flare. * Public Market: Utilizing the roof-like protection of the Skyway overpass, seasonal vending kiosks will provide merchants and visitors multiple locations to their shop-goods. Public bathrooms will also be present in this and many other Canal Side areas. The remainder of Canal Side includes almost 375,000 s/f of mixed-use space for hotel, office, restaurant and entertainment use. When fully complete, the project has the potential to generate 1,000 new jobs, almost $9.5 million in annual sales-tax revenues and $1.2 million in new yearly property taxes for the city. Over the course of 20 years, the project will generate approximately $189 million in sales tax revenue. Following the unveiling of the Canal Side master plan, ECHDC will begin preparations for project environmental review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). This process is expected to take 6-12 months and will conclude with the issuance of a Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) and written findings, which document any social, economic or environmental effects of the project. Subsequent Canal Side construction work will be conducted in a series of phases, beginning with the Memorial Auditorium and Donovan blocks. Phase one is projected to consist of major infrastructure operations, such as the re-watering of canals and the lock system, re-building the original five cobblestone streets, construction of parking garages, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and development of the former Donovan State Office Building site. ECHDC is a subsidiary agency of Empire State Development Corp. Its vision is to revitalize WNY's waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo-based on the region's legacy of pride, urban significance and natural beauty. For more information, please visit www.eriecanalharbor.com, or www.nylovesbiz.com.