http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-938981.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron Brown held a public meeting on the East Side Tuesday evening to get residents perspectives and ideas on the development project for the Erie Canal Harbor.
Tom Dee, President of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, co-hosted the Mayor's forum. He said that since the last round of public meetings, the plan for Canal Side has changed slightly, to better align with the canal's history, and in that time, some common themes have popped up from input.
"The thing that becomes real obvious is authenticity. People want food down there, people want opportunity for jobs I think those are the common themes," said Dee.
Mayor Brown said he's been an advocate for public input since the beginning of the project. He wants to ensure that no one is left out of the process and feels there's a lot of great potential in the Canalside area.
"I want to see a vibrant waterfront, where people not only in the city and region can come for enjoyment, but people will come from across the country as well. I'd like to see local restaurants and shops. I'd like to see some national restaurants," said Mayor Brown.
Another meeting will be held Wednesday on the West Side, and Brown said that the experiences people have at the canal is what will drive them to want to come to the waterfront.
