May 2, 2000

Gentlemen:

 

For the last six years, the City of Buffalo has benefited from the advantages of a two-mile Economic Development Zone. Throughout this time, we have certified 133 companies, creating a total of 5,384 full-time and 580 part-time jobs. Clearly, the EDZ has had an enormous effect on economic development and job creation in the City of Buffalo.

 

We are keenly aware of the EDZ's capabilities as an economic development engine. It is for this reason that we are requesting that you permanently expand the boundaries of Buffalo's EDZ. As you are well aware, Buffalo is New York State's second largest city. As such, we believe that two miles is insufficient to our efforts at rebuilding Buffalo and regenerating economic growth. Presently, there are fifty-two EDZs across New York State, including nine in New York City. Despite Buffalo's size, we have only one EDZ, the same capacity as the municipalities of Fulton (population 12,929) and Friendship (population 1,423). The potency of our EDZ is diluted by its limited size.

 

We are currently in a situation where many existing local companies are seeking EDZ certification. The popularity of the program is well documented and while we certainly do not want to impede or limit growth, we simply do not have enough room in our EDZ to accommodate the myriad companies seeking its benefits. We do not want to see companies excluded. In many ways, this is a wonderful problem to experience as it indicates that businesses are using the EDZ as a catalyst for growth. To remedy this situation, the City of Buffalo is officially requesting that you expand the boundaries of our EDZ to a level commensurate with Buffalo's size and business growth rate. We have always seen New York State as our partner in our economic development agenda and as such, ask that you help facilitate our growth by expanding the EDZ.

 

Thank you for considering this important matter.

 

Sincerely,