A Solar-Powered Carrousel on the Waterfront
The Sustainable Energy Association is proposing a solar-powered carousel as one of the first waterfront development projects to come to fruition. The carrousel is part of a solar playground and learning park. Joan Bozer, the group’s director has spoken to Buffalo officials about donating city land for the project, specifically a tract along Erie Boulevard approaching Erie Basin Marina. Bozer has said that land would be “ideal” due to its sun exposure, proximity to a bike path and accessibility to the light-rail system.
According to Business First, the project would be a “$3 million Buffalo/Niagara Solar Playground and Learning Park on the Buffalo waterfront. The centerpiece of the park would be an enclosed 60-foot 1904 carousel that has been donated by the Herschell Carrousel Museum in North Tonawanda, and which organizers hope to power with solar panels.”
Conceptual model created by Frank Fantauzzi at the UB School of Architecture & Planning
I was out with my friend last night, and he works in commercial real estate. We went to his office to open some gifts before going out to dinner at mothers (mmmm) After we were done, we starting talking about the rebuilding of buffalo. He broke out this huge aireal map of the water front region...from the big ugly boat near tifft to hsbc arena. There are plans for amazing condos...starting at the pier, and winding up the land right on the water. It was very exciting hear him talk about what is being proposed, and what could be there soon.
His firm is working on a proposal to refubish an old grain elevator...wouldn't that be something!
What's going on downtown and the plans for the waterfront are quite exciting. There's this post about plans for the inner harbor Erie Canal Harbor Project.
http://www.buffalorising.com/city/archives/2005/12/erie_canal_harb.php
In less than 5 years, our downtown and waterfront will be trumpeted like Baltimore's once was.
That carousel idea is GREAT!!!!! Besides the cool tie-in to the Hershell, I love the fact that it would use solar power (a nice counter-point to all the guff we get for snow). What a great idea! My only proviso would be that it be "tag" resistant and somehow not so secluded as to invite vandalism (it happens, let's not kid ourselves).
I agree - the grafitti in the city must be stopped! The best way is to have each building occupied, but until and and even once that happens - the police should NOT look away! I have seen policemen drive-by so many acts of vandalism - I don't know what they're looking at, but they don't seem to want to stop anyone. Anyone who knows otherwise, please let me know.
Go Joan! The WInd Action Group supports this project and looks forward to its being able to turn people on to Buffalo's potential as a center fro renewable energy.