BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......With several new projects underway, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. is taking a look at the immediate future of the 20-acre downtown district.
At the urging of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the ECHDC has retained urban planning specialists MKSK, a Columbus-based firm to realistically look at Canalside to see what development opportunities exist.
MKSK's report is due by the end of the year and will serve as a development blueprint for the ECHDC when it comes to Canalside.
"It's our hope to see these parcels finally developed," said Joan Kesner, ECHDC chairperson.
The study will focus on a large swath of downtown real estate extending from the I-190 Thruway to Erie Basin Marina to Michigan Avenue - bounded by the Buffalo River - and extending towards Sahlen Field.
The study area includes a mix of public and privately-owned central business district parcels.
Development options are wide open, Kesner said.
Kesner said she hopes some of the parcels can be developed into retail and restaurant options along with, maybe, creating a walkable trail.
The point is to set an economic development stage that piques the interest of the private sector.
"It marks the start of a bold new chapter in the transformation of Buffalo's waterfront and the expansion of the Canalside District," Hochul said in an emailed statement.
The study comes against the backdrop of several recent developments both inside the Canalside footrpint and on nearby parcels.
Among the projects:
* The $225 million Pennrose residential-anchored project on the North Aud block.
* Sinatra Development finishing the $46 million Heritage Point project.
* Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority's Marine Drive and Perry residential projects.
* The Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship opening in the former Buffalo News building on Washington Street.
* Possible renovations of KeyBank Center.
To get community input, three public sessions are planned.
They are:
* Sept. 20 from 20 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hatch at the Erie Basin Marina.
* Canalside Falls Fest, Sept. 26, rom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Seneca One, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Buffalo's waterfront has come a long way, but there is still tremendous opportunity to make Canalside a stronger, more connected neighborhood that is active year -round," said Mayor Sean Ryan.
New study to identify possible development options in and around Canalside
New study to identify possible development options in and around Canalside
