It was only a matter of time before a rally of this nature was to take place. I’m referring to the rally that is being organized by The Friends of Times Beach Nature Preserve (FTBNP), scheduled to be held at the nature preserve tomorrow, Saturday September 27, 2014 from 12:30pm – 1:30pm.
The coalition behind the publicity campaign feels that the Outer Harbor process has been flawed, and that plans were drafted up well before the public was able to come to the table to voice any concerns or present alternatives.
If FTBNP’s claims are true, much of the efforts to create public spaces that respect the water, the preserves, and public access are being disregarded. Those rallying for the cause are asking that the Erie Canal Development Corporation (ECHDC) come back to the table to discuss the current plans that essentially vanquish Times Beach Nature Preserve and Wilkeson Pointe – two invaluable public waterfront amenities. The coalition is stating that there are better places for development at the Outer Harbor that don’t sacrifice the plans and progress that has already been made at these two sites.
Jay Burney, chair of the Friends of Times Beach Nature Preserve states: “This new private residential community will all but destroy the Nature Preserve and Wilkeson Pointe, and negatively change the character of the Outer Harbor forever. We believe that the outer harbor is public space and should not be privatized for the benefit of a few. A Great Waterfront demands complete public access and continued public ownership.”
FTBNP, in tandem with Western New York Environmental Alliance*, Sierra Niagara, and 21st Century Park has expressed concern that the land will be opened to development/privatization, without taking into consideration the impact that it will have on the Great Lakes ecosystem, public access, connectivity, the environment, etc.
“Times Beach is the gateway to the Niagara River Corridor Globally Significant Important Bird Area. Many migrating and breeding birds, and pollinators including Monarch Butterflies depend on the site which, is located in downtown Buffalo. Wilkeson Pointe Park, adjacent to the preserve is designated for complete development into a privatized residential compound. This place was sold to the public as a public access park, and is a beautiful and meaningful destination on our waterfront.” – The Friends of Times Beach Nature Preserve
*Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) -Representing over 100 local Environmental and Social Justice organizations including Buffalo Niagara RiverKeeper, PUSH, ADK, Sierra, 21st Century Park, Western New York Land Conservancy, etc.
Times Beach Nature Preserve is located on Fuhrmann Blvd next to the Coast Guard Station and Wilkeson Pointe Park on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. Access to Fuhrmann by the Skyway, Ohio Street, or Tifft Street.