Project Category Summaries

LIVING

Housing has merged as a top priority for Downtown, ranked 2nd at the Summit and strongly emphasized in the survey and written reviews. Emphasis was on smaller demonstration projects over mega-developments, and on developing a convenient, service-oriented housing development process that can harness the power of the private sector.

WORKING

Economic development ranked in the top 5 priorities at the Summit and in the Survey, and was strongly supported in the written reviews as well. As with housing, much of this focused on developing and coordinating tools to facilitate business growth. Also raised were the renovation of several Downtown buildings as hotel, retail, and office space.

ACCESS / INFRASTRUCTURE

Improving access to and within Downtown emerged from the review process as one of the top three priorities. Support for these projects was broad as well as deep: nearly every discussion group at the Summit emphasized the importance of transportation and streetscape issues, including those focusing on living, economic development and attractions, marketing and image, environmental policy, and regionalism.

IMAGE CAMPAIGN

Improving the image of Downtown, both internally and externally, remains a priority. There is a belief that while many aspects of Downtown have improved, getting this message across is difficult. A comprehensive marketing campaign, with secure funding and a plan, can help address this ongoing problem.

EXPAND BUFFALO PLACE

Although expanding Buffalo Place was not formally discussed by a group at the Summit, calls for coordinating entities responsible for and accountable to the Downtown area appeared throughout the Summit as well as in the Survey and the written reviews. Several groups made specific reference to Buffalo Place serving as this entity.

INNER HARBOR

The Inner Harbor/Canal District was the highest priority as measured by the review process. While intense discussions attended the question of how best to incorporate historical authenticity in a way that complements the project’s economic development agenda, nearly everyone seems to agree: the Inner Harbor development is vital to the Downtown’s future. We should begin to move forward on it immediately, viewing the public discussion of historic authenticity as a first active and practical step towards development.

CONVENTION CENTER

The Convention Center remains a contentious but important priority for downtown development. The review process produced calls for progress on the project, but also strongly warned that this progress must begin with a serious examination of fundamental premises in terms of desirability, location, and design. In keeping with the Convention Center’s importance – our data suggests it should be considered in the top 5 priority rankings – Downtown Buffalo 2002! recommends beginning this process soon and pursuing it with vigor.

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