Bass Pro backs out of Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - News 4 has learned that Bass Pro has decided not to open a mega store in downtown Buffalo.

>> Read the full statement from the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation here

A letter also went out to Congressman Brian Higgins, who had given Bass Pro an ultimatum to issue their decision by Tuesday.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation was notified by Bass Pro President Jim Hagel that they would be withdrawing from further consideration of Buffalo's waterfront development. The official announcement came at around 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Jordan Levy said he is, "thoroughly disappointed in the outcome that this is a failing," but added canal side remains a viable project for Buffalo's waterfront.

Levy said Bass Pro could not meet the timetable set by Congressman Brian Higgins, but Levy was awar eof the public frustration over the last nine years since Bass Pro was first mentioned as a potential anchor tenant. Bass Pro had invested a million dollars into this project.

Bass Pro sent a letter to Congressman Higgins on why they're pulli ng out of Buffalo. >> Read it here

Executive Director of Leasing for Benderson Development Corporation, Eric Recoon, said one of the problems leading to Bass Pro pulling out was that negotiations made their way into the public view, which he said became "toxic" for Bass Pro's participations. He said the deal starts fresh today.

>> Read Congressman Higgins' statement on Bass Pro backing out here

>> Read Buffalo Mayor Brows's statement on Bass Pro here

Levy said there are ten potential retailers that have been identified who could become anchor tenants for the project and that Buffalo will make presentiations to these retailers in the days ahead. Levy added that he asumes that a recent lawsuit claiming the use of public funds for Bass Pro was illegal will now be withdrawn since Bass Pro is pulling out. Levy stressed that the project needs an anchor to make the overall project come together and bring the waterfront alive. Throughout the news conference, Levy stressed that the project will continue on and that canal side will help to define Buffalo's economic future.

Grant Loomis from Erie County Executive Chris Collins staff issued this statement:“The County Executive is disappointed Bass Pro has decided not to be a part of the Canal Side project, but he is very confident the leadership of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation will be successful in attracting another noteworthy anchor tenant. The County Executive believes Canal Side will be a transformational project for Buffalo and all of Erie County.”