After years wasted trying to implement large-scale redevelopment of its formerly industrial waterfront, Buffalo is cleaning up its shores from the ground up, reports Daniel Robison.
Preferring to take an approach they've dubbed "lighter, faster, cheaper," Buffalo is seeking to revitalize its industrial waterfront by increasing public access with incremental improvements and a targeted environmental cleanup.
"If you talk to some of the last few generations," [Jill Jedicka, head of the nonprofit Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper] says,
"people will tell you, 'I've been hearing the revitalization of
Buffalo's riverfront and waterfront for years; it's never going to
happen.' "
But alas, "[n]ear a new patch of green space
known as Canalside...dog
walkers stroll along a new boardwalk. Teenagers dive to catch Frisbees
on fresh sod. Tourists watch a sunset from kayaks and water taxis," observes Robison.
"Just
a few boards, and some grass and chairs, and look what happens. People
are coming down here," retiree Wayne Minear says. "There's people everywhere. This
would have never happened before."
Thanks to Daniel Lippman
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