Bass Pro: now another one that got away

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Add Bass Pro to the growing list of the "big ones" that got away! After years of planning and posturing, the outdoor retailer has dropped plans for a mega store on Buffalo's waterfront.

Canal side is now without an anchor tenant. Bass Pro said it could not meet a Tuesday deadline to make a final decision. It's been nine years now, and Buffalo had lost patience with the giant retailer.

A 130,000 square foot Bass Pro mega store was to be the anchor that would draw millions to canal side, but even after sinking a million dollars into plans, Bass Pro pulled up anchor and pulled out of the project.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairman Jordan Levy said, "I'm thoroughly disappointed in the outcome. I didn't hope this would ever happen. A lot of us have worked hard to have a different outcome, and frankly, it's a failing."

In a letter to Congressman Brian Higgins, Bass Pro said, "There are numerous critical reasons, including the fact that several major issues...remain unresolved." Public opinion was also beginning to change.

Eric Recoon of Benderson Development said, "Bass Pro is a private company. They're frankly not accustomed to all this negativity. The negativity here became very toxic."

Back In 2004, the mood was upbeat when Bass Pro unveiled plans to remodel the Aud into one of its stores. The company's founder Johnny Morris said Buffalo offered something unique.

"Have chance right out the back door, ya know, customers to try boats, to actually go fish. Have guide service right from the store," said Morris.

The Aud came down to accommodate final plans, but a lawsuit over public funds used to lure Bass Pro here, and a lack of action from Buffalo lawmakers to transfer land for the canal side project, may have contributed to the outdoor store cutting bait.

Levy said, "Certain small pockets of people once again decided it wasn't something they wanted, so they sort of helped drive them out."

But waterfront planners say the canal side project will move forward and that ten major retailers have been identified as potential anchor tenants.