By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – In his first full day as Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown learned that at least one city waterfront development project is running on schedule.
On Tuesday, Mayor Brown received a tour of the Erie Canal Harbor Project in downtown Buffalo. He was given a pair boots to wear as project leaders led him through a messy construction site. It is a $49 million redevelopment project that surrounds Main Street, Scott Street, Marine Drive and the Buffalo River -- land owned by the city and State Department of Transportation.
Members of the Empire State Development and Anthony Gioia, chairman of Erie Canal Harbor Corporation briefed Brown just before a tour. Gioia says he realizes Brown made repeated statements through out his campaign that city waterfront development would be one of his key priorities.
"You are putting your money where your mouth is. This the first trip you are making to the site. We are honored to have you here," Gioia told Brown. "We are very excited about what is going on at the waterfront."
Project leaders are promising Brown that it will be completed by the Fall of 2007. Brown was pleased with the progress and says it will be critical for future economic growth in the city.
"I think this project, once we get the waterfront moving, can create thousands of jobs and attract hundreds of thousands of people to visit the City of Buffalo," Brown said. "That is certainly real economic development."
Brown also offered any further assistance the city could provide in guaranteeing that the project continues to move forward. But project officials say they have already received a great deal of assistance and cooperation from the city's public works department and Buffalo Sewer Authority. In fact, the new mayor even received a vote of confidence for his choice to keep Public Works Commissioner Joe Giambra in his administration. Thomas Blanchard, of Empire State Development, responded to Brown.
"They've been great," Blanchard said.
"So you would say that was an excellent appointment," Brown responded.
The inner harbor is being designed to celebrate the historic aspect of the canal. It will include a new Navy and Military Museum and reconfigured Naval and Servicemen's Park.