STAFF REPORTS
BUFFALO — Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) welcomed the news today that Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is advancing plans for development at Canalside.
“It is encouraging to see ECHDC finally moving to activate their 2013 Master Plan for Canalside,” said Higgins. “For three and a half years, the north Aud block has laid dormant and in disrepair. Now the promised Canalside Hall featuring iconic, Buffalo-themed restaurants and residential development is finally moving forward. The Canalside Master Plan called for the use $20 million of NYPA settlement proceeds for the public infrastructure to support new mixed-use space, including exciting local retail and restaurant options.”
Higgins added, “Five weeks ago, New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan and I called on ECHDC to take this action and we are pleased to see these planned actions announced today.”
On April 18, Higgins and Ryan urged ECHDC to embrace the opportunity to feature Western New York-centric food options at Canalside, follow through on the 2013 Project Plan and work swiftly to commit funding toward the construction of the envisioned Canalside Hall and mixed-use development.
In 2005 Higgins led the effort to secure a settlement with the New York Power Authority for a 50-year federal license which provided $279 million now financing waterfront development in Buffalo.
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