By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-913940.mp3
Buffalo, NY – One day after Congressman Brian Higgins sent an ultimatum to Bass Pro, the chair of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation stated a commitment to bring the outdoor store to Buffalo.
Jordan Levy says while they always welcome the Congressman's input and support for the Canal Side project, they do anticipate being able to resolve frustration with the Bass Pro process.
"We can appreciate that this arduous process has worn on everyone's patience; however, we do believe we are acting in the best interest of the community and for Buffalo's future," said Levy.
Levy says they expect a "positive conclusion in the next few weeks".
"It remains our sincere desire to bring Bass Pro Shops to Canal Side as our anchor tenant and we are working closely with the company's management in Springfield, Missouri. Our development partner, Benderson Development Company, is enthusiastically engaged in the development of Canal Side and continues to have substantive discussions with not only Bass Pro, but with several additional tenants for the project," said Levy.
Levy says the ECHDC is committed to the redevelopment of Buffalo's waterfront and the vision that Canal Side will be transformational for our region's history.
Higgins says he wants Bass Pro to sign a lease deal with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation in 14-days. If Bass Pro fails Higgins says he will insist the Corporation move forward without the planned outdoor store.
"Waterfront development in Buffalo and Western New York is well underway and it is because after decades of talk and plans we have moved into action," said Congressman Higgins.
Higgins tells reporters he is running out of patience. Higgins wrote a letter to Bass Pro CEO Johnny Morris and Bass Pro President Jim Hagle.
"Great progress is visible, construction trucks and people are working, the public excitement is building and well over a hundred million dollars is available for economic development at the Inner Harbor alone. Bass Pro should certainly want to be a part of it and today we are calling on them to make that commitment." said Higgins.
The idea of a Bass Pro store in Buffalo was first mentioned in 2001 and in 2004 the company announced the "Aud" site as its location choice.
In a related waterfront matter, the Waterfront-Neighborhood agreement announced Monday by the City and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation will head to a Council Committee for review.
The agreement calls for the City to transfers 10-acres of waterfront land to the Corporation in exchange for a $9 million reinvestment into all of nine of it's council districts.
But some city lawmakers say the deal does not provide a public benefit corporation agreement or Living wage for future jobs. Delaware District Council member Michael LoCurto is not pleased with this deal.
"I still think there is a chance to come out with a CBA, a community benefits agreement, not council bribery agreement," said LoCurto.
The Coalition for Economic Justice says the deal does not meet transparency and accountability requirements. Lawmakers set it to the Council's community development committee.