Master Plan for Outer Harbor Parcel

Is it safe to assume that chunk of land (middle-right) is for future development? The parks and access are great- expanding the tax base would be great too.

Disappointing developments in today's News- the outer harbor bridge from downtown is "stalled" and the children(Higgins and Brown) are fighting over the NFTA land. Some things never change.

Time for coffee....

It will look beautiful once completed. But what will keep people coming back is functionality - like a swimmable beach. It doesn't look like this is part of the Master Plan. I am pretty sure the water quality is OK here given that it's South of the Buffalo River. A simple test could confirm. I just don't get why more Buffalonians don't see the value of having a swimmable beach CLOSE to downtown.

"The funding source will be"

That should be followed by the words: "The NFTA, out of guilt for their decades-long negligence in ownership failing to do anything with a coveted piece of land they paid nothing for."

The stalled bridge is a huge disappointment and this plan looks fussy and maintenance intensive and removed from any comprehensive thought about what the outer harbor should be.

Why does the path go through the parking? Why is the parking right on the water edge. Fix that silliness

I don't consider the design fussy -- it has a limited number of designed "features" that I think will be cool, but otherwise the plan largely addresses plantings, access and circulation, and what looks to be some nice shoreline habitat restoration. I think the wind sculpture sends a positive message about what else might be in store for the Outer Harbor, and the sand volleyball courts should be an interesting experiment (potentially a hit -- no wordplay intended).

I have to disagree with the sentiments about the Outer Harbor bridge. I was originally a fan of the concept, but after attending the 2 design workshops a year or so ago I came away very concerned. I had assumed they were intended to be by-and-large water-level bridges, but it turned out all the options were significantly raised above the water, and included extensive approach ramp infrastructure that would have had a significant impact on the landside at whichever location was selected. And for what gain? Several people have clocked the the drive time from the Inner to Outer Harbors at 4 minutes or less via the skyway.

For cyclists and pedestrians, we should be looking at multiple access points including Ohio Street, the foot of Michigan, and my favorite: near the end of the City Ship Canal near Silo City (I understand they have some ideas). Also, I wouldn't mind seeing a bike/ped bascule bridge to the Outer Harbor, perhaps at the foot of Main, that would be much cheaper and not have the landside impacts that an auto/truck bridge would have.

Why does everything take so long in this town?

Furhmann Blvd was thoughtfully redesigned with tons of on-street parking. There is no need to plan each new little park with its own parking lot.

NYC's comments in this thread are absolutely right on.

When comparing a park idea like this in the face of nothing else, it seems fine. When thinking about an outer harbor bridge in the context of pure cost and bridge design, alone, Ohio street starts to seem like a better alternative.

But the problem continues to be that there is no overall vision of what our waterfront is supposed to be and how it should function. We need to think about the mix of environments and experiences it needs - and then make sure those pieces are integrated and linked into one, great waterfront. Right now it continues to be a little development here and a little development there, but no thought about how all of those developments work together and actually enhance one another.

It is incredible frustrating. And the city/ECHDC/nfta politics on top of it make me want to puke.

The waterfront needs a master plan in the worst way. Not just development ideas in some public office. But an acutual master plan. Please - this is public lands and public money. The public is owed a thoughtfully developed waterfront.

Anyone have an accounting of how much Power Authority relicensing money is left?? Between studies, engineers, placemaking excercises, consultants, employees, landscape designers and lawyers, my guess is a whole lot less than we started with. For the money being spent- you'd think there'd be a 'big picture' plan for all of the waterfront by now.

And the City wants to take the reigns on the NFTA's outer harbor lands? The same folks that can't fill Waterfront Village? Over three decades and still not done.

Many great points made about all of this seemingly unconnected nice mini projects. My question is why isn't there a comprehensive plan? I think we are just talking about landscaping, and creating a walking path with a bridge. It seems like if one agency could have hold of the entire thing and just get a basic plan that would be mostly park like settings, while keeping in mind, places for possible buildings (restaurants, maybe even residential waterfront property.. or all commercial) along the waterfront. I think Dug's Dive and that area is a great start, it seems obvious to create a seamless park transition with a walking path that leads you from park to city.

I think local government should create a clean, safe, park like atmosphere near the waterfront. And then allow for private development by selling land to developers for either restaurants, stores, etc. I think if the local government can create a seamless park where people flock to, private development will follow, and a comprehensive plan has to allow for that in certain areas designated by the plan.

If you think Buffalo is on the right track with this plan, then you've been stuck in Buffalo too long. Visit some other cities with waterfront. I moved to Houston six months ago and they know hwow to utilize their waterfront, Kemah Boardwalk is an outstanding example of what can be done if the adminstration wasn't so incompetent. See www.kehamboardwalk.com. This weekend Pleasure Pier opened in Galveston, TX as well and will bring tons of tourists. The Buffalo Waterfront must have development and things for people to do or it will be just another half thought out waste of money.

I just drew a better plan on my etcher sketch.

I hope they dont take down those authentic rusty fences that line the walking path for a god portion of this year.....
The pictures look great and I cant wait for another reason to be down there....
I hope it doesnt scare away the 30 or so deer that seem to gather all along this area between 6 and 8 each evening....They need space as well

Wanna revitalize the waterfront? Make as much of the shoreline as possible a beach, a realone, with sand. Make sure it's completely accessible to the public.

Then build some decent housing and some streets back from the water a bit. If you want revitalize the area, get some people to LIVE there don't just rely on people to visit. Once people LIVE there you would see business come in the support them and bam, there's your bustling neighborhood.

I see there are sand volleyball courts. Has any organiztion been offered to, or been chosen to, run leagues/tournaments there?

Am I the only person in this group who associate water with boats? This small inlet is ideal for having small craft=sailing-dinghys and youth programs. Please allow professional mariners and boating people to be heard when it comes to water front activity. After years and years of planning and discussion, this is it? Some bushes and trees? This is what we paid millions in architecture and consulting fees for?