Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has approved two measures to advance waterfront development.

The board recommended its parent company, the Empire State Development Corporation, to adopt a modified general project plan for Canalside to include development of the Webster Block.  It also authorized ECHDC to enter into a federal aid local project agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation for the Ohio Street and Inner Harbor infrastructure improvements project. 

“These two projects go hand in hand with our mission to support and promote the creation of infrastructure on Buffalo’s waterfront that will create critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York,” said ECHDC Chairman Robert Gioia.  “By recommending that ESD adopt the modified general project plan, we can help the City of Buffalo more quickly advance the Webster Block project and by entering into an agreement with the DOT, we are moving forward with our plan to transform Ohio Street into a major waterfront link.”

Approval of the modified plan would allow development of the Webster Block to move forward. the corporation will hold a public hearing on the MGPP at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5 at the Minnie Gillette Auditorium on Erie County Community College’s city campus.   

The board also authorized ECHDC to enter into a federal aid local project agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation to undertake detailed engineering design services for the Ohio Street project.  This project is the reconstruction of Ohio Street as a “landscaped riverfront arterial” between NY Route 5 and Michigan Avenue that will attract private investment and mixed-use development to a formerly blighted area.  ECHDC will be responsible for serving as a pass-through for all federal funds, ensuring that Federal Highway Administration guidelines are followed, as well as all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.