Throughout the planning process for Buffalo's Waterfront development project.
the mayor says city residents have asked him how they'll benefit. Now, a community development agreement could be the answer. Our Kaitlyn Lionti tells us more about the agreement and how it would help neighborhoods throughout the city.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- "Let's show people that the benefits of this waterfront can be seen in these neighborhood business districts. Let's link the waterfront to neighborhoods throughout the city of Buffalo," said Byron Brown, Buffalo's Mayor.

That is the idea at the center of the new Waterfront Community Development Agreement. It would transfer about 10 acres of land from the city to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

In exchange, the Empire State Development corporation would provide $7.5 million along with a city allocation of $2.5 million to invest in neighborhoods throughout Buffalo.

Each of the 9 city council district will receive $1 million for a designated commercial corridor, and the other $1 million will be available for other commercial areas.

"This is really groundbreaking in that it brings the neighborhoods into what we've been talking about for some time with waterfront development," said Mayor Brown.

Those involved in the agreement say it includes a lot of the items people and organizations in Buffalo have identified as priorities for the project.

One of the major sticking points has been the idea of a "living wage", but members of the development corporation say their goal is to attract jobs that people can make a living on.

"What we're trying to do is create an economic base downtown that will bring in the kinds of employers that pay people a real wage, a real career, and a real opportunity for growth," said Larry Quinn from the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

In the agreement, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation also committed to creating a project that maximizes employment opportunities for city residents, incorporates green design, reflects the area's historic character and fulfills other requirements.

Now, it goes to Common Council for review with hope that it is acted on soon - so the city does not miss out on business opportunities.

"There are people on the sidelines who are ready to commit that want to see if we're serious about waterfront development. And I think anything that goes beyond the first week in august is seriously jeopardizing that," said Quinn.