BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....The first of three public input sessions that focus on possible future development plans for Canalside and other downtown districts will be held this Sunday.
Representatives from Columbus-based urban planning specials MKSK will be at the Hatch restaurant at the Erie Basin Marina from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 20) seeking input of how the remainder of Canalside along with such other downtown districts as the Cobblestone District should be developed during the next decade.
MKSK was retained by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. to put together a development blueprint for much of downtown's lower Main Street areas but also up Washington Street towards Sahlen Field.
The report and recommendations are due back by the end of the year..
"We want ideas on how to bring all of these neighborhoods together," said Joan Kesner, ECHDC chairperson.
Public input is critical Kesner said.
In addition to Sunday's session, the others are:
* Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the annual Canalside Fall Fest.
* Seneca One Tower from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 1.
"A dynamic waterfront is central to the economic health of our city," Kesner said.
The lower Main Street and Canalside District has seen a wave of new development projects in recent months including re-starting the construction on the $46 million Heritage Point Apartments; the $200 million North Aud block residential-anchored project by Pennrose and the opening of the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the former Buffalo News building on Washington Street.
And, coming soon, a potential renovation of KeyBank Center.
"We like the energy that's emerging down there," said Jim Dentinger, Golisano Institute regional director and vice president. "That's why we are there."
Public input sought for Canalside's long term future
Public input sought for Canalside's long term future
