The first of three public meetings this week on the future of Buffalo's Outer Harbor is being held Wednesday night. A master plan for the long-vacant property along Fuhrmann Boulevard is scheduled to be released this fall.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has been charged with transforming roughly 160 acres, between the Small Boat Harbor and Wilkeson Pointe, into "a vibrant" waterfront destination.
Some advocates want a large football complex. And other groups want the entire area designated a public park, according to ECHDC board member Sam Hoyt.
"Those are kind of the high profile suggestions that we've already heard about. But those are kind of from bigger organizations. We'd like to hear from the rank and file citizen before we move forward with something like that," Hoyt said.
And the planning process does not involve another study.
"This is a public engagement process where anybody and everybody who has an opinion, who has an idea, will have the opportunity to present to our consultants what they would like to see integrated into the master plan for Buffalo's Outer Harbor. And ultimately, we're hopeful, that the final product will be a reflection of what we learned in these public meetings," Hoyt said.
The meeting, Wednesday, July 9, is from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the WNED Studios, 140 Lower Terrace, Buffalo, NY.
More information about other meetings scheduled this week, and the project, is available at www.ErieCanalHarbor.com
