By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Phase one of construction at the historic Erie Canal Terminus in downtown Buffalo is almost complete.
Leaders of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation say they expect to open the canal to the public by Memorial Day. But one local historian wants to see more historic information.
Construction of the historic canal site at the foot of Pearl and Scott Streets has been under way for the past five years. But it is finally taking shape. Harbor development corporation leaders toured the area Tuesday. Jordan Levy is chairman of the development corporation. The site features a new museum, commercial slip, a bowstring pedestrian bridge and large boardwalk.
But one local historian says phase one of construction does not display the deep history of the Erie canal. John Conlin was on the committee to help interpret the historic importance. Conlin says much more needs to be added to teach the public about the significance of the canal. He says an interpretative exhibit placed at the site doesn't tell the story of the hundreds of thousands of people who came through Buffalo.
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