City to transfer land to develop harbor

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - News 4 has learned that a deal has been struck between Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown an the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation to transfer 10 acres of land, critical to development of Buffalo's inner harbor to the Harbor Development Corporation.

News 4's Senior Correspondent Rich Newberg reports that the Harbor Development Corporation will put up $7.5 million in exchange for the title to the property, which includes the Webster block.

The money will be earmarked for small business development and job growth throughout the city's districts.

The city will also put in $2.5 million into that separate fund, to spur small business development, for a total of $10 million in the fund.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation already controls 21 acres of land, including the old Aud site, where a Bass Pro outdoor store is still on the drawing board.

The Harbor Development Corporation needs title to the other 10 acres to begin developing more projects on the waterfront.

The common council must approve the deal, which could happen as early as Tuesday or in a special session.