ECHDC reveals plans for Inner Harbor

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - Starting with a virtual bird's eye view of Canal Side, you can see why the 30,000 square foot Bass Pro Outdoor Store serves as the anchor of the district.

News that Bass Pro had stopped plans for a store in Georgia got folks in Buffalo worried, but waterfront planners said Bass Pro officials are saying "don't worry."

Harbor Development President, Tom Dee said, "They all assured us, all the way to the highest level, Jim Hegele, the President of Bass Pro that, 'Look, whatever happened to Georgia has nothing to do with Buffalo.' Buffalo is moving forward. Everything is in place."

The virtual tour, beginning at the Main Street corner takes people past a giant signature waterwheel and canal, crossing over to what is called Canal Side Common.

The giant Hall on the first floor will host market areas.

50 to 100 restaurants and markets in the area have already been contacted.

"One of our guys today was out in the Southern Tier talking to some farmers about how to get products and how to get vendors in here to Canal Hall," Dee explained.

Work is already underway at the Inner Harbor to recreate the major cobblestone streets that existed during the Erie Canal days.

There have been $56 million dollars worth of public improvements in the last 36 months, and the money is place to continue the progress, according to Congressman Brian Higgins.

"So it's a new day for Buffalo waterfront development. It's not about plans that won't materialize, it's about plans that have materialized and will continue to materialize," exclaimed Higgins.

Planners are expecting a challenge to the six tier, 1,200 car parking garage, designed to sit across from the Marine Drive Apartments.

But all public comments will be welcomed, said Tom Dee.

"It's wonderful that people want to have input, and we'll take the input. We need the input. They're part of the process," he said.