A new recreational area will soon be open to the public on Buffalo's Outer Harbor on land that has been closed off for decades.
Local elected leaders officially kicked off the project along Furhmann Boulevard adjacent to the Times Beach Nature Preserve Thursday morning.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation President Tom Dee says the plan for the 21-acre site is similar to Canalside.
"It all centers around public access and things to do," said Dee. "For the first time in 50 years, people are going to be able to walk out from Fuhrmann Boulevard, take the path down, walk the path, bike the path, and enjoy a good stroll to get to the water's edge."
The project includes a new sand beach, volleyball courts, trails, a gazebo, and picnic areas.
The $3 million project is being funded with proceeds from the New York Power Authority relicensing agreement.
For the past several decades, the waterfront site was used for storing the Lake Erie ice boom.
Work is should be completed by next summer.
