Bass Pro is coming to Buffalo

[Clint]

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has approved a plan to develop the historic Central Wharf on Buffalo's waterfront and it includes a new Bass Pro store.

The Bass Pro deal is part of a larger redevelopment plan for the historic Buffalo Central Wharf. The plans call for a 100,000 square foot Bass Pro store, 40,000 square foot market place and other commercial, residential, and green space. Benderson Development is also part of the deal to help develop the space.

The design reflects the Central Wharf's place in Buffalo history. The city has plans to repave the historic streets with cobblestone, and the buildings in the area will reflect a late 19th century design.

Bass Pro will pay $300,000 a year in rent. The original deal had Bass Pro only paying $1 a year in rent.

Bass Pro President Jim Haegle says, "we are more excited today than when we announced the first Bass Pro deal." Haegle says the new plans are much grander in their scope and have a great vision for the waterfront.

Part of the deal allows Bass Pro to manage Lake Erie fishing charters to leave from an adjacent harbor.

The announcement took place at the Erie Canal Harbor Commission's meeting at the HSBC Arena.

The deal includes millions of dollars to take down the Memorial Auditorium, which has sat vacant since the Sabres moved to the HSBC arena in 1996.

"People have good reason to be skeptical. And I understand that skepticism more than anybody. But over the next 12 to 24 months, the Buffalo Waterfront is going to take on a dramtatically different look and feel for the better," said Congressman Brian Higgins on Monday.

The Bass Pro location will not be the old Memorial Auditorium. Instead, a smaller store will be built on the waterfront.

2 On Your Side's Stefan Mychajliw: "I know we've heard this before from Bass Pro. So as far as Friday's announcement is concerned, why should we believe it, when it never happened before?"

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown: "I think on Friday, when the Erie Canal Harbor Development corporation meets, it will be dramatically different, it will be a positive announcement. That the Bass Pro deal is done. And that Bass Pro is coming to the City of Buffalo."

Mychajliw: "Do you believe it? Because we're heard this song and dance before. Do you really believe it?"

Brown: "I do believe it this time."

In recent weeks, the focus for Bass Pro moved from the Aud to a site across the street near the historic Erie Canal terminus. The store could be built to resemble a historic 1800s building.

The agreement that will be signed Friday morning is called a "pre-development deal" between the developer, Bass Pro, and the Waterfront Commission.

"In lamyman's terms, it's like you've signed the contract to buy the house, but you haven't closed. And while there's a lot than can come between the lip and the cup, once you sign that contract, the intent is to go forward," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation said in December that a comprehensive plan for development along Buffalo's inner and outer harbor was in place.

The "new" plans for the Bass Pro Store does involve public tax dollars for the private development.

Mychajliw: "Is it appropriate to use tax dollars for this private project?"

Schumer: "I think that Buffalo has heard so many 'no's' over the years, that to have a 'yes,' and use some taxpayer dollars, in the hope that it could really bring back the waterfront, and bring jobs back to the City of Buffalo, it's worth it."

The commission presented the plan, which includes thousands of square feet in retail, business, and residential availability near the current site of Memorial Auditorium. It includes a museum on the inner harbor, and a maketplace similar to the one in Seattle, Washington.

All told, Commission vice-president Larry Quinn says this development plan is twice the size of the one in Baltimore, Maryland.

"This is a 'go' project," said Quinn.

[Darin]

I'm jealous. The closest Bass Pro we have is about 2 1/2 hours away.

Happy shopping!

[Clint]

I'm not sure when it will be built, probably the next 12-18 months. I'll let you know when it opens. We can both go buy new boats, poles go fishing than go eat some wings & drink some beer..... :D

[Mike Romeo]

We have a Bass Pro very close by and one thing for certain is that I would never buy any clothes from them because it's all way overpriced.

The rod and gun prices are ok.

[Clint]

I don't think I will ever buy clohing from Bass Pro, like Mike Romeo said it's over rated & over-priced. I sure has hell would jump on a party boat for a morning/afternoon fishing excuresion, of course drinking lots of "BLUE". Beats the hell of PBR!!! Hey Norm, you want to go fishing on Lake Erie?????? :eek: