Buffalo's Outer Harbor is getting an events planner of its own, to guide activity on the growing stretch of land beyond Canalside.
Although the actual contract isn't prepared, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Monday hired Rich Products subsidiary BR Guest to operate the land.
BR Guest runs much of the operations of Coca-Cola Field for the Bisons, along with parks and golf courses around the country.
The ECHDC also announced a $5 million project for increased access and activity on the Outer Harbor. Chairman Robert Gioia says there are some capital projects coming, but for next season, it's going to be more using what's already there.
Gioia says the public appears generally satisfied about what's happening on the waterfront.
"It's been favorable. We initially ran into some folks that felt it was too development oriented. We heard what they said," Gioia said.
"What we're hearing is that people want access. They want to be able to enjoy. They want to bike. They want to hike. They want to walk and just enjoy the beautiful scenery and the views and even sunsets."
Gioia says the bike ferry from Canalside carried 50,000 people during the summer season and expects more. A lot of what's planned under this contract is relatively small initially, from a mountain bike course to an osprey nesting platform to a visitor hub at the Bell slip with more Adirondack chairs.
The plans are for both Buffalo Harbor State Park and 160 other acres the development corporation owns and is planning to use.
