PRESS RELEASE
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) released the following statement in response to today’s deadline for North Aud Block proposals:
“Ten years ago the walls to Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium came down; today’s deadline for public infrastructure design proposals marks the next step in rebuilding this block to compliment a much different Buffalo. Thanks to previous work on the Aud Block, including the Rinks at Canalside and the soon-to-be-completed Explore and More Children’s Museum, the Buffalo waterfront is now recognized as an all-season destination. A $10 million commitment from New York State will rebuild infrastructure on the North Aud Block, creating walkable streets that compliment future private sector investments in retail, restaurant and residential development, and enhancing the public experience.
“Our waterfront continues to change the image of Buffalo from one that is old and industrial to one of exciting new possibilities that is redefining our region and rebuilding our economy to the benefit of all who live here today and all who will choose this region for the possibilities it provides for tomorrow.”
North Aud Block Timeline:
- 2008 – The Aud Block was acquired by ECHDC from the City of Buffalo
- 2009 – Buffalo Memorial Auditorium is demolished
- 2010 – July 19: Congressman Higgins sends letter giving Bass Pro a 14-day Deadline to proceed or withdraw
- 2010 – July 29: Bass Pro responds, “withdrawing from further consideration of this (Canalside) development”
- 2014 – The Rinks at Canalside / historically aligned canals are completed on the Aud Block
- 2017 – April: Congressman Higgins & Assemblyman Ryan call for construction on the North Aud Block
- 2017 – May: State Announces $2 Million to Kick-Start Development at the South Aud Block and Outlines an RFP Process for Both the South and North Aud Blocks
- 2018: May: At the NYPA Settlement Halfway Point, Higgins Calls for Investments in the Public’s Waterfront Including $10 Million for the North Aud Block
- 2018 – August: Governor Cuomo announces $24 Million for Buffalo’s Waterfront including $10 million for Infrastructure at the North Aud Block
- 2018 – December: ECHDC issues a Request for Proposals for the North Aud Block
- 2019 – (TODAY) January 17: Requests for Proposals are Due for North Aud Block
