Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Who runs the Erie Basin Marina and its on-site restaurants has emerged as one of the early 2026 talking points among Buffalo Common Council members.
The marina and restaurants are key assets for Buffalo - not only for the potential revenue they could generate for a cash-starved city - but also as a hook to attract visitors to the waterfront.
The Erie Basin Marina complex, first developed in 1974, offers a picturesque vista of the Niagara River, Lake Erie and Canada.
The marina, itself, has 286 slips - making it one of the largest in the region.
So, taken together that's why council members during its Jan. 6 meeting, is expected to refer Erie Basin questions to its Finance Committee for a complete review before any vote is taken on who will operate the marina and who will operate the restaurants.
Council members want separate operators.
"It is a city asset and we have to be very deliberate and intentional with our decisions," said Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope.
In years past, questions have been raised about operations at the marina and restaurants.
Halton-Pope says history can not repeat itself.
Operational proposals were released this past fall but with the change to newly-elected Mayor Sean Ryan's administration, Halton-Pope said she wants his team to also get a better handle on operations at the marina complex.
"It's only fair," Halton-Pope said.
All 286 slips were leased last summer and Sully's Harbor Bar did operate, drawing some positive reviews.
Also because this is the winter time, it does afford council members more time to review any recommendation and avoid any knee-jerk, last minute decisions.
"I do think we are better than where we have been in the past," Halton-Pope said.