City ready for waterfront land deal

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - City officials say they've taken a big step towards making ambitious plans for Buffalo's waterfront a reality.

We may tend to overlook the details when trying to grasp the big picture of Buffalo's waterfront plans, but those plans hinged on a major land transfer by the city to the Harbor Development folks. On Monday, that deal was announced.

The ten acre site, including the paved parking area in front of the HSBC Arena known as the Webster Block, will now become a major part of the new $300 million canal side development project.

Rep. Brian Higgins said, "Almost one half of canal side, for commercial, mixed use development, a parcel of land that's been economically dormant for a long time will become economically viable."

The $7.5 million going to the city for the purchase of the land will be directly invested into Buffalo neighborhoods to help grow small businesses and create jobs. The city will add another $2.5 million into the fund.

"It essentially brings the benefits of waterfront development to the neighborhoods in the city of Buffalo," said Mayor Byron Brown.

The deal still needs Common Council approval, but a million dollars for every councilmember's district may be tough to turn down. With land to build on and funding in place, waterfront planners believe canal side will be the biggest project in the city's history. Anchor retailer Bass Pro is still expected to sign the least agreement.

Larry Quinn of the Harbor Development Corporation said, "Give us 30 to 45 days and you're going to be shocked at the investment that's going to take place in Buffalo."

Assemblyman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "I have to be honest. I'm not a Bass Pro advocate, but I am an advocate for redeveloping the waterfront, and sometimes you have to put a lot of things together in order to make one big thing happen, and I think Bass Pro is just a piece of that puzzle."