Ryan looks to ensure waterfront access

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Some prime real estate is changing hands along Buffalo's waterfront and a state lawmaker wants to make sure the public will still have access.

Assemblyman Sean Ryan is calling on the NFTA to create an easement that would prevent commercial development within 15 feet of the water. The NFTA is currently in the process of selling 384 acres of waterfront property to Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and the City of Buffalo.

"We know mistakes have been made in the past on our waterfront. We have part of our waterfront that is restricted that the public can't walk to. We've got bike paths that go along our waterfront that have to jet out in many places because decisions we made not too long ago. Public access easement will make it so that those bad decisions are off the table," Ryan explained.

The assemblyman says public access to the waterfront should be a top priority as plans move forward to develop the property.