The positive spin-off from Canalside is continuing. Ground was broken Wednesday on a project designed to revitalize Ohio Street between Buffalo's Inner and Outer Harbors.When it is completed in late 2014, Ohio Street will go from being a run-down industrial corridor into a tree-lined parkway designed to revitalize the area and draw new businesses.
The project includes a $4.2 million investment in new infrastructure by National Grid. The company is installing cabling for electrical service to make the area shovel ready for future development.
Regional Executive Dennis Elsenbeck says the power company's investment compliments more than $10 million in city, state and federal funding allocated for the project.
"We can collectively act as one to attract others to our area and enhance this corridor in a manner that is progressive [and] meets the aggressive schedule of economic development," Elsenbeck said.
Lt. Governor Robert Duffy says there is great momentum right now in the city.
"It seems like every week we're here for an announcement. It's not something that's put on or staged, there's just a lot of good things happening," Duffy said. "The spirit of this city and this community is palpable. It always has been. There's great community spirit. People are pulling together. It's a beautiful thing to watch."
Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks and be completed in late 2014.