CRYSTAL D.

PEOPLES-STOKES
141
st
Assembly District



THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY



CHAIR
Majority Conference

COMMITTEES
Alcoholismand Drug Abuse
Environmental Conservation
Governmental Operations
Health
Higher Education
Insurance



For more information:
Contact: Adia C. Jordan
Office of Honorable Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes
716.897.9714 (ofc)
716.897.1154 (fax)
716.308.6856 (mob)
OP-ED
Outer Harbor Offers Opportunities
by Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes


Over the past few weeks I have participated in many discussions on the future use of Buffalos
Outer Harbor. I understand and support the position of many elected officials and the Common
Council that we should conduct careful due diligence in consideration of the private developer
proposal to build a multi-purpose sports, entertainment, conference and cultural experience
there.

The Greater Buffalo Sports and Entertainment Complex, LLC (GBSEC) is seeking a nine to
twelve month land option for exploration and development of their proposed downtown
waterfront stadium. In addition to the stadium and designed publicly accessible green space,
plans call for a conference center and hotel, and the creation of the countrys first Museum of
Sports & Competition in partnership with Rochesters Strong Museum. These amenities will
serve as year round tourist attractions and regional draws.

Together with other members of the WNY State Delegation, we recently conducted a Q & A
with the developers design consultants, HKS of Dallas. We heard their reasons for believing
this site can be one of the best they have ever worked on and that they can integrate
significant green space and parkland in the plan. This NFTA-owned land parcel is comprised of
over 400 acres. The developer is asking for approximately 150 acres and has already
presented a master site plan with significant parkland and complete, enhanced waterfront
access.

The simple truth is that this parcel presents an opportunity to have a privately funded park
and new economic development. Stakeholders and decision-makers, please start working
together to achieve this. We are at one of those pivotal points where reason and cooperation
can be as important as ideas and funding. The prospect of thousands of new construction,
hospitality and service jobs are on the line. Lets get it done right the first time. Dont miss yet
another Super Bowl Extra Point.