I think that I would like to start off this post by commending the three Common Council members who were bold enough to ask for today’s bizarre Waterfront Village decision to be tabled. David Franczyk, Mickey Kearns and Mike LoCurto all stuck to their guns when it came to holding off on making any hasty (and potentially tragic) decisions regarding our waterfront. Unfortunately, their headstrong stance was outweighed by the rest of the BURA committee, and the rumors are flying as to why a craptastic design would even be considered for our architecturally significant city.
During the meeting I had the opportunity to see, for the first time, not only the Specialty Restaurants plan (presented by “developer” James Pitts) that would deface our waterfront, but also the Ciminelli boutique hotel proposal (pictured) that dwarfs the chosen project in so many ways. Is there even a question as to which one would be best for Buffalo? We’re talking about the difference between a $37,000,000 multi-use project and a $8,000,000 hunk of junk. The difference in taxes is also huge – $2,000,000 a year. I don’t think that the addition of a gazebo and a few lawn chairs (shown in one of the Wingate renderings) is going to impress anyone… or so you would think.
I understand that the Ciminelli team did not adhere to the RFP guidelines that stated the building could not be over four-stories high. At the same time, the RFP requested that the project should be a mixed-use development, which the Pitts motel clearly is not (according to the committee, that’s a judgment call). It would take a year before the zoning could be altered to allow the Ciminelli project to be considered? Is a year too much to ask for in the grand scheme of our waterfront’s future? If you were a City Hall official, which plan would you want to affix your name to? And would you wait a year to get it? Isn’t that also a judgment call?
What was really astonishing was listening to James Pitts present the motel-looking hotel by saying that the ‘mixed-use hospitality project,’ located 500′ from the Erie Canal Harbor, was designed to enhance the restaurant and not clash with the historic surroundings. The motel would actually bring “variety and diversity to the waterfront.” It’s a lifestyle destination that “fits perfectly” on this grassy site according to Pitts.. huh? Pitts is quoted as saying that this is a “doable project.” Mickey Kearns later asked if we aren’t being a bit hasty by pushing forward a “doable project.” He asked why the Ciminelli group was not even being given the chance to present their proposal. Of course it turned out that the opportunity was not granted because they did not adhere to the RFP guidelines.
Waterfront Village residents who attended the meeting were perplexed as to why the Ciminelli project was shot down. They had been shown both proposals and had rallied around the ten-storey building. Today they were notified that the Ciminelli building was not even eligible for consideration. So why did they waste their time? Kearns, being very vocal, exclaimed, “I want excellence. I want better than doable. I want to see the other proposal.” That’s when he asked the decision to be tabled due to the fact that he had only been given a day to review the Pitts motel. LoCurto and Franczyk were both in agreement, though the Mayor opted not to table the decision in the end. A vote was taken and LoCurto, Kearns and Franczyk were left as the sole supporters of the $37,000,000 Ciminelli mixed-use boutique hotel.
Apparently Ciminelli was given the option to work with the chosen developer. The company was also given an opportunity to build on another BURA parcel set-back from the water. For naught. At the least, all parties should come back to the table to discuss the future of the BURA parcels and do what’s best for the city, instead of what’s best for the developers. Just keep this in mind… as stated by Mickey Kearns: “Politicians come and go, but the residents are always stuck with the projects.”
queenseyes
Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the world's largest ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Alley Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. And his latest adventure... FigBuffalo, with the intention of creating a Buffalo United Fashion Front (BUFF). Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com