Full statement from ECHDC on Bass Pro

BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) - The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation today released the following statement on Bass Pro's decision to not open a store in downtown Buffalo and what inpact that will have on the future of the plans for the Inner Harbor.

>> read original report here

Their statement was as follows:

Bass Pro and John Morris today informed ECHDC that Bass Pro is withdrawing from the Canal Side project on Buffalo’s Waterfront. Although disappointed, we are committed to this project and will move forward with our plans for a revitalized waterfront. This Canal Side project is, and always has been, bigger than Bass Pro.

Bass Pro invested well over one million dollars in working with ECHDC and its supported on due diligence. Those funds will be beneficial to the project over the long term. ECHDC will move forward with our development partner, Benderson, as it continues to play a critical role as the development escalates. Benderson has already identified several potential tenants who are interested in locating in this mixed use waterfront development. The Donovan and Webster blocks offer opportunities to increase downtown critical mass and we will seek other unique destination retailers.

However, we must clear any remaining doubts on whether ECHDC will have title to the property in order to develop the site; we will not have a serious partner stepping forward otherwise. ECHDC must clear the last remaining hurdles to finish what was started and we will work closely with the Buffalo Common Council to complete this critical step in transferring the land.

The past six months have seen the Canal Side project reach several major milestones: the adoption of our SEQRA findings and the General Project Plan, the approval of a Project Labor Agreement with local trade unions and the signing of the historic NYPA agreement which provides $105 million for the development of the Inner Harbor.

We have come too far in this critical juncture in developing our waterfront to let this enormous opportunity to transform our city, create jobs and celebrate the heritage of our canal and our history slip through our fingers. ECHDC recognizes that this news is disheartening, but we want to make it very clear to the citizens of Buffalo and Western New York that Canal Side is underway and will continue to move forward – ECHDC remains absolutely committed to the redevelopment and revitalization of Buffalo’s waterfront for, not only Buffalo, but for the great people of this region.