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Brown made his comment on Friday following his announcement about pursuing $1.3 million in capital improvement funding for the Hatch Restaurant along the waterfront. The eatery wants to add a second-story patio for customers.
When asked about the future of the Skyway, Mayor Brown says he doesn't see the highway as something that's hindering development along the waterfront -- specifically noting a recent announcement.
"The city of Buffalo was just able to issue an RFP [request for proposals] for a prime piece of downtown [property], land near to the waterfront, the Webster Block," Brown says.
The Buffalo Sabres and owner Terry Pegula bid $123 million to develop Harbor Center on that property.
Brown's comment stands in contrast to the belief of Congressman Brian Higgins, who earlier in the week indicated he hopes the state Department of Transportation doesn't spend over a $100 million for any further repairs to the elevated highway.
Besides the debate over the Skyway, some members of Buffalo Common Council and some local groups are hoping the city rescinds its contract with the Seneca Gaming Corporation for services at the upcoming Buffalo Creek Casino.
Brown also sees the casino as a possible attraction to bring people downtown near the waterfront, and believes the Senecas have honored several parts of that agreement.
"We sold that land for over $600,000. That would blow a major hole that would be hard to fill in the city's budget," Brown says, hoping the Council won't take the step to end that contract. "They [the Senecas] have taken a lot of the public comments into consideration to construct a smaller casino, a casino that would fit in to the fabric of the community, and not cannibilize other businesses in the community."
In addition to the upcoming expansion at the Hatch Restaurant, Brown says the city spent $930,000 on improvements at the waterfront, including a $400,000 boardwalk, new handicap- accessible restrooms, and new security gates for boaters at the marina.
The city also plans construction of a new Ice Cream Gazebo near the Hatch Restaurant, with an additional project cost of $406,000.
With the latest investment, Brown says his administration will have invested nearly $2.7 million at Erie Basin Marina. Other recent investments include construction of the beach at the Marina, sidewalk paving, picnic tables, new lighting, and enhanced security.