SECRETARY CUOMO & MAYOR MASIELLO WILL CONVENE ROUND TABLE OF EXPERTS TO DISCUSS COMMERCIAL SLIP OPTIONS NEWS
June 6, 2000
Contact for this release: Steve Banko (716) 551-5755, ext. 5007

BUFFALO (6/6/00)- U.S. Department of HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo will deliver on a commitment to Buffalo Mayor Anthony M. Masiello made earlier this year when he convenes a round table of experts to evaluate the condition of the Erie Canal Commercial Slip in Buffalo's Inner Harbor and make recommendations as to future courses of action regarding the slip and its historic significance to Buffalo and to the on-going development of the Inner Harbor.

"Our mission in bringing nationally and internationally recognized experts to the table in Buffalo is to move the discussions surrounding the Commercial Slip preservation and potential display in the most informed and enlightened direction," Secretary Cuomo said. "We have long recognized the vital importance of the Erie Canal as a former engine of commerce and transportation and a future catalyst for recreation and tourism. We must do all we can to help the decision makers of Buffalo gather expert opinion and advice as they go forward with waterfront revitalization.

"I am confident that the more and better the information placed at their disposal, the most effective and informed decisions they can make."

Mayor Masiello said Secretary Cuomo's credibility on issues surrounding the canal system would go a long way toward reaching consensus.

"Following detailed discussions and a site visit to the Commercial Slip with Secretary Cuomo, we agreed that additional expert analysis of the Commercial Slip was in the best interest of the continuing Inner Harbor project," stated Mayor Masiello. "From the outset, my administration has been committed to incorporating the rich historical legacy of the Erie Canal

into the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor. I believe, along with Secretary Cuomo, that further expert analysis of the site can lead to the appropriate and responsible display of this truly historic site.

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Commercial Slip Round Table

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"This redevelopment project, like others in our city, will help Buffalo take

advantage of our state's and nation's expanding economy," the Mayor added. "It is important, therefore, that the open space/recreation components of the project move forward without any delay. The combination of celebrating our heritage and reopening public access to the waterfront

will achieve the goals my administration first put in place for the Inner Harbor project."

Under Secretary Cuomo, HUD has spurred development throughout the canal system through the Canal Corridor Initiative that has invested $237 million, creating 17,000 new jobs in upstate cities. HUD has invested nearly $10 million in loans and grants in the Adelphia project that is expected to create 1,000 new jobs in the area and Secretary Cuomo said that the excavation of the Commercial Slip "positions Buffalo for special attention as we determine how best to showcase our past glory will building our future success."

"HUD has a special interest in the Erie Canal," Secretary Cuomo said, "and that means we have a special interest in Buffalo. The unearthing of the Commercial Slip could offer this generation a unique opportunity to reflect past accomplishments as we look forward to creating future achievements.

"To guarantee we avail ourselves of that opportunity, we will gather those who know geology and geography and archeology and history to sit at the same table with those who know economy and industry and commerce to determine how best to step off from a proud past to an optimistic future."

Secretary Cuomo and Mayor Masiello first discussed the plans for the round table during the mayor's visit to Washington in early spring of this year. Plans were put on hold pending the outcome of legal proceedings surrounding the preservation of the Commercial Slip.

Secretary Cuomo said he plans to impanel a team of independent experts later this summer.

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