Public Hearing on Canal Side

Buffalo's Common Council is holding a public hearing about Canal Side on Tuesday, July 13 at 5:00pm in Council Chambers, City Hall. Now is a vital time to be heard on plans to spend $150 million in public money on a Bass Pro store and related development. A Public Accountability Initiative report, Fishing for Taxpayer Cash, has raised key questions about Bass Pro's track record. A recent court decision, Bordeleau v. State of New York, makes it more likely that a court would find the Bass Pro subsidy to be an illegal gift of state funds. The Buffalo News business reporter David Robinson wrote a column July 4 saying that he doubted Bass Pro was worth it, because with so many Bass Pro stores nearby, in places like Auburn and Toronto, a Buffalo Bass Pro is unlikely to draw many out-of-towners; Robinson called it "an expensive shot in the dark."

Whether Bass Pro comes or not, we need to make sure the development benefits our community, not just an out-of-town corporation. We need local businesses, green design, and quality jobs for local residents. But the Harbor Development Corporation continues its refusal to meet with the Canal Side Community Alliance, despite the unanimous Common Council resolution asking them to do so. Read PPG's letter to the Buffalo News explaining how talking to the Alliance could help the Corporation reach its goals redeveloping Canal Side, and PPG's letter to Artvoice on what it means to be truly realistic about Canal Side. You can find more resources about Canal Side here.