Cuomo Proposes Buffalo Waterfront Revamp

BUFFALO-As step one of a plan to transform the waterfront of New York State's second largest city, Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week called for the transfer of up to 400 acres of land on the Outer Harbor from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to state control. The move “will build on our ongoing efforts to spur economic development, increase tourism, and create jobs for the whole region,” Cuomo said last week.

Under the proposal, the state's Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. would acquire the land from NFTA to plan for future development and use, and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will operate half of the property, encompassing the Small Boat Harbor and Gallagher Beach, as a new state park. A public process would be launched to determine the future of an additional 130 acres of open land on the Outer Harbor and devise ways for using the open space to help revive the waterfront.

Further, OPRHP wouldwork to create a swimming beach at Gallagher Beach, which will be the first public swimming beach in the City of Buffalo. The New York State Department of Transportation recently completed improvements at Gallagher Beach, including a new pavilion, boardwalk, picnic tables and chess game tables, to turn it into a multi-functional gathering place.

In addition, a comprehensive public planning process would explore how to reuse the 130-acre lakefront parcel on the Outer Harbor by providing the public an opportunity to convey their ideas and opinions regarding waterfront development. A consultant with expertise in community engagement and open space/mixed use planning will lead this effort. Also, a nine-member advisory committee, consisting of five members appointed by the ECHDC and four members appointed by the city's mayor, will be established to offer recommendations on future development plans for the waterfront.

“Buffalo is a beautiful lakefront city and the community deserves a world-class waterfront,” Governor Cuomo said. “Under this plan, we will take the first step of transforming Buffalo's waterfront to invite new investment and businesses, and build a high-quality state park and the city's first-ever public swimming beach to serve local residents and attract visitors alike.”