The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is backing away from earlier plans to sell off its outer harbor property to a private developer.
NFTA commissioners agreed at a committee meeting Thursday to stop talks with Bear Development group.
State Assemblyman Sean Ryan said he believes this could open a new opportunity to rethink how to better develop the outer harbor.
"I'm optimistic at this point that the NFTA is on board for divesting itself of that asset. I think that is good news," said Ryan. "After having done a nation-wide RFP and only having two respondents to it, I think that shows you that nothing special was planned."
Ryan says the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation could be the best choice to buy the Small Boat Harbor and Gallagher Beach from the NFTA.
"We need to find a plan that makes future development special," said Ryan.