Buffalo Dusts Itself Off

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.

September 9, 2012, 11am PDT | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

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

Full Story:

Buffalo Cleans Up From Dirty Industrial Past

Published on Saturday, September 1, 2012 in NPR