Inside the News

Johnnie B. Wiley's untapped potential

   For two years, the Buffalo Bisons and New Era Cap Co. have offered to provide substantial funds to renovate Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium  into a state-of-the-art baseball field.

   And for two  years, that money has  gone unused, with the ballpark mostly locked during the summer -- hostage to the inability of the city, county and Buffalo School District to find a solution.

   The neighborhood around Johnnie B. Wiley has a shortage of open spaces and an abundance of poverty.

   What should be done?

   -- Mark Sommer

 

Canal Side takes on new dimension

   It's a fleshed-out master plan for the redevelopment of downtown Buffalo's waterfront -- a $500 million production that features the  Bass Pro Outdoor World store and a whole lot more.

   Bass Pro is still front and center on the site where Memorial Auditorium now stands, but the master plan is beefed up by another 750,000 square feet of places to eat and  drink, play and  work.

   The bulked-up Canal Side is described by its planners as both "extraordinary" and "attainable." Bass Pro President Jim Hagale says the retailer is "excited and committed."

   The next step is for the project is a state-required review that will offer several opportunities for public comment over the next nine to 12 months.

   So, let's start the dialogue. What's your reaction to the updated proposal? What do you like?  What don't you like? What would you change? Would you want to live, work or play at Canal Side?

-- Sharon Linstedt