ECHDC: New President, Demo on Schedule

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) Board of Directors met today, welcoming Thomas P. Dee as new corporation president.  Effective May 11^th, Dee's appointment excuses Empire State Development Upstate President Dennis Mullen, who acted as ECHDC Interim President since mid-October 2008.

With 37 years of experience, and 28 as a principal at Cannon Design, Dee brings a wealth of knowledge with him.  ECHDC Chairman Jordan Levy pointed out that Dee has been involved in large-scale public projects locally such as the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, HSBC Atrium Office Complex, HSBC Arena, the Erie Community College Flickinger Field House and the Federal Courthouse that is now under construction in downtown Buffalo.

As ECHDC president, Dee will be responsible for managing the Corporation's day-to-day operations, while advancing not only the Canal Side project's important first phase, but also the region's overall waterfront redevelopment effort. Under his supervision, ECHDC will complete demolition of Memorial Auditorium, continue various outer harbor land acquisitions and planning studies, and initiate design and construction of numerous inner harbor infrastructure improvements, water features, parking structures and substantial mixed-use development.

Dee, who was recruited for the president's job six weeks ago, said that as a Buffalo resident, he's been following the Canal Side projects closely, and he's excited to be leading the effort.  "I'm happy to be part of the transition.  To see what happened before and a fraction of what will happen...when I saw what could be, I said, 'This is something I need to move into.'  I love this city and this community, and we need to move forward with logical steps."  Dee went on to say that though the concept is already great in his opinion, he will add value where he can.

"While Tom's passion for the waterfront was another key-driver in his selection, it was really the considerable familiarity he has with many of Buffalo's largest construction projects that made him the optimal candidate for the job," said Levy.  "As usual, we owe Congressman Brian Higgins a great bit of gratitude for his continued focus on the waterfront, as he once again trumpeted the importance of harbor redevelopment to the region's future and helped us secure another talented resource for this effort."   

A native Buffalonian, Dee grew up on the City's South Side before receiving an associate's degree from Genesee Community College, in addition to a bachelor's degree and MBA from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  A member of the Leadership Buffalo Class of 2003, Mr. Dee possesses a professional construction management license, is affiliated with the American Association of Cost Engineers and Society of American Value Engineers, and currently serves on the Darwin Martin House board of directors.

In development news, Board member Larry Quinn said that he met with people from Bass Pro in town last week. "Suffice it to say that things are moving forward quickly and in the right direction," Quinn said.  He promised a full-blown presentation of the Aud block in one month and says that Benderson's Phase 1 plans for development are due in 40 days.

"It's taking shape.  There's been no hiccups, no surprises," Quinn said.  "Given the national economy, we're moving forward with no pitfalls.  We're in excellent shape."

Levy reminded everyone that the target date for the completion of the Aud demolition is July 1^st and right on schedule, and that the Memorial Day, 2011 unveiling activities of Canal Side, complete with Bass Pro, would be right on time as it looks now.  "People are always asking, and some are skeptical, but we're in very good shape."

Levy also promised that an unveiling of summer programs at Canal Side will be announced one month from now at the next board meeting.

The meeting concluded when Jordan Levy acknowledged Buffalo News reporter Sharon LInstedt, who has covered Canal Side stories from the beginning but will be going to a new job soon.  "Maybe we can build a little cul-de-sac and name it after you," Levy joked.  "It would be an attraction for our large Scandinavian population."