Waterfront Group Eyes Potential
Joyce Kryszak BUFFALO, NY (2005-08-23)

Buffalo's long-neglected waterfront has a newly appointed group of champions ready to make sure harbor development finally stays afloat. Members of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Monday set out to see the challenges on the horizon. Many of those stepping on board Buffalo's fireboat, the Cotter, Monday were familiar, including waterfront watchdog U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins. Joining him were the newly appointed development corporation members.

Anthony Gioia was named chairman at a brief meeting earlier Monday. Larry Quinn was appointed vice chairman, and Chuck Rosenow will serve as president of the board. They along with five other members, including non-voting member Mindy Rich, will try to change the tide of Buffalo's stagnant waterfront vision.

Higgins said that dawn is soon to come. "This represents a major, a major move forward. And you will see in the next thirty-six months, the Buffalo waterfront will take on a dramatically different look and feel," said Higgins. But as the boat floats away though the harbor and down the river its clear that much work lies ahead.

Larry Quinn points out some of the areas targeted for development. There are acres of dismal and ruined shoreline - vestiges of an industrial past and ignorant current use. There is prime waterfront used by the New York Power Authority to store the ice boom. Old decking from the skyway litters another part of the shore. Quinn said the Board is focused first on finalizing the deal with Bass Pro. But he said, it is important that they link the retail anchor with other projects to enhance the ecology of the waterfront, as well as the economy. "If we just build a store here, and we don't become this Bass Pro world experience, we really miss an opportunity," said Quinn.

"Everyone agrees there are enough plans to consider. Board Chairman Anthony Gioia, a former U.S. ambassador to Malta, spared diplomacy in saying it's time to move forward. "Buffalo has never missed an opportunity, to miss an opportunity," said Gioia. "We have everything in place, there's no more need for analysis." The money is already in place for some projects to begin, including brownfields clean-up and a linear park of bike baths and walkways.

Power Authority Submits License Application
WNED-AM 970 NEWS
Chris Caya
BUFFALO 2005-08-19

The New York Power Authority has applied for a new 50-year license to continue operating the Niagara Power Project, but the deal apparently excludes Buffalo and Erie County from getting any financial compensation. The authority reached agreements with various stakeholders, including Niagara County.

Under the deal, Niagara County will get $10-million a year over the 50 year life of the agreement. The authority offered Buffalo and Erie County $2-million a year, but local officials rejected the offer. Congressman Brian Higgins says the area deserves better because of the negative impact the power project has had on Buffalo and its waterfront.

The Buffalo Democrat is seeking $10-million a year to be used for waterfront development. Higgins is filing a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. "I want those officials who will be making the decision...to come to Buffalo and to see and feel what it is I've been talking about," Higgins said. The Power Authority has said it considers its offer fair.

Higgins Has Plans For
Outer Harbor Money
WBEN Newsroom - Wednesday, August 10, 2005 05:50 PM

Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - President Bush signed the transportation bill into law Wednesday morning, and Congressman Brian Higgins already knows how he wants to use money allocated for the outer harbor. Higgins tells Newsradio 930 WBEN the bulk of it could go to a new parkway with benches, a median, landscaping on Fuhrmann Boulevard. With that being a city of Buffalo project, Higgins says it's something that can get started now. Getting rid of the Skyway is also on Higgins' agenda, but that's a state matter tied up in the southtowns connector project, and that's not yet on the table.

Higgins Challenges Business Leaders to Push for Power Authority Funding
Mark Scott BUFFALO, NY (2005-08-08)

Congressman Brian Higgins is calling on local business leaders to play more of a role in efforts to secure a greater settlement from the New York Power Authority in the ongoing relicensing debate. The Power Authority is trying to secure another 50 year federal license to operate the Niagara Power Project. It generates the nation's cheapest and cleanest hydropower.

But Congressman Higgins says it also generates a lot of profit -- more than half-a-billion dollars each year. Higgins wants the Power Authority to share at least $10 million of that with the city of Buffalo. So far, the authority is offering $2 million. Higgins says he surprised that area business leaders have been silent on the issue.

"This is no time for the business community to be sitting on the sidelines," Higgins said. "They should be leading this fight. If you look at the issue of membership in the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, you'll find that the New York Power Authority is a $25,000 leadership member." Higgins says that may be one reason why the Partnership hasn't been more vocal.

But Partnership President Andrew Rudnick says his priorities are different. "The Partnership from day one has been working with organized labor and other stakeholders to make sure the longterm availability of hydropower to our employers in the region is at the lowest possible cost," Rudnick said.

Congressman Higgins also had some harsh words for the New York Power Authority, its commissioners and consultants. He described them as "common thugs" who are intent on a strategy of "divide and conquer" in trying to secure a new license.

ESD Board approves subsidiary to oversee Buffalo waterfront development projects.
7/14/2005

The Empire State Development Corp. Board of Directors today unanimously approved the creation of a new subsidiary, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., which will directly oversee the development of a massive Bass Pro retail emporium at the Aud and a number of major projects along the waterfront. Empire State Development Corp.

Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "Creation of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. will allow us to move the Bass Pro project to the next phase and plan other projects that are vital to the future of Buffalo's waterfront.Ê This is a model we have successfully used elsewhere in New York to focus our economic development efforts and deliver on our commitments for revitalization.

It allows us to use the Empire State Development Staff and expertise to assist and support these critical economic development projects," he said. "In New York City, our 42nd Street Development Project oversaw the revitalization of Times Square and helped to leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in private sector investment," Gargano said.

"The result is a renewed, dynamic and exciting Times Square that provides a great venue for families and visitors."

"Additionally, right now our USA Niagara Development Corp. is continuing its efforts to revitalize downtown Niagara Falls," Gargano added. "The plans have included a new downtown conference center, which is surpassing expectations, the redevelopment of Third Street, which is underway, renovation of the historic United Office Building and leveraging the casino." Gargano said the new subsidiary will be governed by a seven-member board of directors.

The new corporation will oversee all aspects of various projects and be the single interface on those projects with various other federal, state and local agencies.Ê The selection of board members has not yet been finalized, he continued. "With the creation of the subsidiary, we now will finalize the selection of directors to serve on the board," Gargano said.

The board of directors will be appointed by the Empire State Development Corp. board based on the recommendation of the Governor and will consist predominantly of local residents and business leaders dedicated to the future of Buffalo. "Now that we have created the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., our goal is to appoint the directors and continue moving work forward as quickly as possible," Gargano said. Gargano said it is expected that the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. will have primary responsibility for the future planning and development of the Buffalo waterfront and initially will oversee the development of the Memorial Auditorium and adjacent land; demolition of the Donovan State Office building and construction of a transportation and parking facility, and construction of an Erie Canal and Great Lakes Transportation museum.

In addition, the corporation will seek suitable private developments for those publicly controlled parcels adjoining the inner harbor that have been earmarked for future development.Ê Empire State Development will work closely with the new corporation as ESD continues with the public infrastructure improvements to the site, including the build out of the commercial slip, demolition of the Hamburg drain and relocating the Naval and Servicemen's Museum and creation of public spaces. The new corporation also will work with Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) with respect to NFTA's initiatives to redevelop its properties in the outer harbor. The overall investment in the Buffalo waterfront is expected to exceed $100 million and include state, federal, local and private sector dollars.