Transfer of NFTA Land Commences Lakeside Meadows Redevelopment
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) is applauding actions taken today which will result in $3 million in new investments along Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding allowing for the transfer of 111 acres of Outer Harbor land to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) for a greenfield redevelopment project. ECHDC will spend $3 million in improvements on the site, being named Lakeside Meadows, which will take place on the land between the Skyway and the water’s edge.
“This initial investment will convert land currently barren and unsightly into property welcoming to the public and attractive to private investors interested in residential and commercial development along this site,” said Congressman Higgins, who has long advocated for the land transfer. “This project will work in unison with the Outer Harbor Parkway along Fuhrmann Boulevard and the Greenbelt Project along the water’s edge, both currently under construction, to completely transform the Outer Harbor.”
Under the agreement, the NFTA will lease the property to the ECHDC with the option to purchase the land in 5 years. In the meantime, ECHDC will clean-up the land, creating new grassy areas and natural landscaping. ECHDC intends to work with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy on the design and maintenance of the site and will consult with the New York State Department of conservation on all clean-up work.
