By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The next big changes for Buffalo's waterfront are on the horizon with actions approved Thursday by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.
A $214,000 contract was approved for engineers to plan demolition of the old Memorial Auditorium and the Donovan building. And a nearly $300,000 agreement will be signed with Buffalo Place to have the group maintain and plan events for the inner harbor. United States Congressman Brian Higgins met with reporters at the recently opened inner harbor pier to talk about the importance of the ECHDC's actions.
Higgins said Buffalo Place, which organizes "Thursday at the Square," will bring in a variety of community and music events to create excitement at the inner harbor. Money from the Power Authority re-licensing agreement will pay for the first year. Beyond that, Higgins said tearing down the Aud and the Donovan building will spur development to keep the momentum going.
It's not a bad start, according to some early visitors. Buffalo resident Diane Tardibuono said she has waited a long time for this.
Canal officials also approved roughly $50,000 to pay for a new public access fishing pier at the outer harbor.
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