Updated release to local media by Michael P. Kearns, Assemblyman 145th District:
Buffalo must control its own destiny. We can no longer sail recklessly into the wind, and live with planning disasters like a rebuilt elevated highway on our waterfront and an obsolete Skyway.
The decision to permanently transfer ownership of the outer harbor to the Erie County Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) would have long term ramifications for the city. Development of the outer harbor will require the resolution of numerous complex issues including public access to Lake Erie, access and management of the Small Boat Harbor, possible environmental remediation, Green Code compliance and infrastructure development. As the only entity with a consistent funding stream, planning and development expertise with its departments and a proven commitment to develop the nearly 400 acres of waterfront land, the arguments for city ownership are strong.
The city has hoisted its sails and is already charting its course, planning for outer harbor development is underway with the Brownfield Opportunity Area studies. Granting ownership of the land to the ECHDC is unnecessary, there is however an important and critical role for all stakeholders. The ECHDC has an important role to play but not as owner, the city must be the bridge between the present success of the inner harbor and the future of the outer harbor. We cannot waste taxpayer dollars and the duplication of time, energy and effort of more government agencies.
Also favoring city ownership is its experience in successfully developing the Erie Basin Marina, awarding the Sabres Webster block to a private developer and the Liberty Hounds restaurant success on the waterfront. The Sabres Webster block development stemmed from a Common Council resolution I filed and was supported by Council-members Franczyk, LoCurto, and Rivera, which denied ECHDC ownership of the land. I will do it again because there is now a $123 million of private development of this area, which was largely the result of action taken by the city. There will be a $4.8 million per year funding stream of city tax revenues once the complex is finished.
When it comes to state funding for projects – promises are plentiful, but funds are precious few. An example is the Route 5 Fuhrman Boulevard project, which was supposed to receive funding for all four phases of construction, unfortunately the project received funds solely for the first phase from the federal government. The state was supposed to allocate funds from a state authority, but the funds never materialized and the other phases were left undone.
We gave away our interest in the outer harbor once on a promise by an authority, this time around the city must have its steady hand on the tiller and we must be the captain of our ship. As we continue our journey, the residents of Buffalo once again must use its oldest structure the lighthouse on the outer harbor to guide our path back to greatness.
-Michael P. Kearns, Assemblyman 145th District