North Aud News Today

Even though the state awarded the developer $2.5M, groundbreaking for the North Aud block is still more than a year out.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors met Monday and approved a number of measures to promote Buffalos waterfront and the Erie Canal bicentennial, continue to advance ECHDCs projects on the waterfront, and protect ECHDCs assets.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Joan Kesner, formerly the governors regional director for Western New York, will serve as chairperson for the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. Board of Directors. Hochul appointed Kesner to the board and also recommended her as the next chairperson of the ECHDC board, which the board approved Monday.

The state agency overseeing the development of Canalside in Buffalo has a new leader, after the agencys board approved Gov. Kathy Hochuls recommendation that Joan Kesner take over as chairwoman

Gov. Kathy Hochul congratulated Mark Wendel on being named the new president of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. Wendel will lead the state entity that supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside and the Outer Harbor in Buffalo and work to attract critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York.

Mark Wendel was given the reins Tuesday to lead Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp., the state agency responsible for overseeing public use and development of Canalside and the Outer Harbor.

The first phases of construction of the Heritage Point residential complex and Gateway building at Buffalos Inner Harbor signal a new and long-awaited phase of development along the downtown waterfront.

Further development is coming to Canalside in Buffalo, as multiple buildings are planned to be constructed on the North Aud Block, where the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium once stood.

Plans have been announced for the transformation of the North Aud Block and the construction of the Canalside Gateway Building.

Hochul's plan for cruise ships to arrive, depart and dock in Buffalo lacks details, but tourism could benefit from the proposal says Visit Buffalo Niagara.