With an original deadline of November 2nd, the
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Empire State Development
(ESD) announced today that the public comment period for the Draft Generic Environmental
Impact Statement (DGEIS) has been extended 15 days, to
November 17th.
The extension was awarded due to significant public interest in the project, the sheer volume of recently released information in the DGEIS, and the subsequent requests from last week’s public hearing – most notably from the attorney representing residents of the Marine Drive Apartments, who are in opposition to a proposed mixed-use parking garage. It is thought that this additional time will allow the public
to offer written comments on the Canal Side DGEIS, which will be addressed in
the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (FGEIS) to be issued later
this fall.
“Due
to the size and scope of the Canal Side DGEIS, as well as the strong community interest
in this very important project, ECHDC feels it prudent to give the public some
additional time to offer their comments and observations on the proposed plan,”
said ECHDC President Thomas P. Dee.
“A full, two-week extension should provide adequate time for individuals
and organizations to fully digest the DGEIS document and offer us their
insights.”
Written
comments or requests for additional information on the DGEIS should be sent to
the attention of Mr. Paul Tronolone, Empire State Development Corporation, 95
Perry Street, Suite 500, Buffalo, New York, 14203 or through his email. Phone inquiries should be directed to
the ESD switchboard at 716.846.8200.