Erie Basin Marina News

News Archives December 2008

Master Plan for Buffalo's Waterfront Unveiled Today

Erie Basin Marina, Buffalo NY

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation today unveiled the master plan for the 315 million dollar waterfront canal side project. The plan remains anchored to the development of the proposed Bass Pro Store and planners said "We owe a great deal of gratitue to the private development partners in this project." While they did not mention them by name Bass Pro and Benderson Development are expected to provide the bulk of the private investor money. The balance of the 200 million dollar first phase cost will paid for with monies previously secured for the project both from the NYS Power Authority licensing settlement and federal project funds.

The timeline for this development looks something like this:

Construction should begin 1 year from now. Over the next 9 to 12 months the ECHDC will complete the environmental review process. Demolition of the Aud site should be complete by late spring of 2009 clearing way for The Bass Pro Store to be completed in early 2011. The Donovan Building and an adjoining parking structure will be developed and should also be completed by sometime in 2011. Benderson Development, Vice President Todd Benderson said that his company primary focus of retail tenants has evolved to include a combination of restaurants, bars, entertainment, office and residential tenants. As part of the development Mr. Benderson recognized the need to add a "local flavor" to the retail spaces.

Said Erie County Executive Chris Collins " Today's debut of the Canal Side

Master Plan is a considerable step toward realizing the true potential of Buffalo's Inner Harbor."

The updated master plan places renewed emphasis on the historic prominence of the Canal District. "The transformation of Buffalo's Inner Harbor is upon us" added Mr. Benderson. "We appreciate having Bass Pro Shops as a partner."

Economic Impact

The remainder of the Canal Side includes almost 375,00 square feet of mixed use space for hotel, office, restaurant and entertainment use. When fully complete, the project has the potential to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs, almost 9.5 million in annual sale tax revenues and 1.2 million dollars in new property taxes for the City of Buffalo. Over the course of the 20 years the project will generate approximatly 189 million dollars in sales tax revenue.

Next Step More Information

You may find more information at the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) website: www.eriecanalharbor.com

News Archives November 2008

Charities, Causes and Conservation Page Added

Buffalo NY - Erie Basin Marina

Visitors to www.eriebasinmarina.org can now view the new Charities, Causes and Conservation Page that has been added to this web site.

Site administrator's said "We have created this page to help our friends bring thier cause to the forefront of society. We encourage all visitors to our web site to please visit the web sites and if possible please consider making a donation to one of these great organizations. Each and every day countless of selfless individuals sacrifice and risk their very lives for these important causes both here in the United States and abroad. They need your help. The earth needs your help! We will update this site often!"

USS Freedom Arives in Buffalo

Erie Basin Marina - Buffalo NY

The USS Freedom arived at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park at Erie Canal Harbor Erie Basin Marina. It will stay anchored here through Monday. There will be a limited number of tours available before the ship departs the Erie Basin Marina.

USS Freedom Fact Sheet

Description: LCS is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft.

Features: The LCS 1 FREEDOM class consists of a semiplaning monohull designed and built by Lockheed Martin. This seaframe will be outfitted with reconfigurable payloads, called Mission Packages, which can be changed out quickly. Mission packages are supported by special detachments that will deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions.

Background: Initiated in February 2002, the LCS program represents a significant reduction in time to acquire, design and build ships in comparison to any previous ship class. LCS 1, USS FREEDOM, the first Lockheed Martin Flight 0 ship is under construction at Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Contribute

Please show your support for the men and women aboard USS Freedom who defend our country. Contribute to the USS Freedom Commissioning Committee. More Info

Saving on Fuel

With rising gas prices and the environment top of mind for today's consumer, boaters are using their boats in different ways than in years past.

Boaters are considering ways to reduce fuel consumption while on the water, including reducing cruising speed, tuning the engine and taking shorter trips.

Unlike driving a car, a boat's engine is often idle or turned off while anchoring, floating or at the dock (all three of which are some of boaters' favorite on-the-water activities).

An average size powerboat uses about 20 gallons of gas over an entire weekend. A $1 increase in gas translates to spending just $20 more for a weekend of boating.

Boaters are beginning to buy engines that better match their boats. If engines have to be run at near or open throttle most of the time, its too small for the boat and its load and fuel consumption and emissions will exceed normal standards.

Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage

Slower speeds on the water will reduce fuel usage.

Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds.

Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock

Minimize the use of onboard generators.

Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators.

Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going.

Make sure the hull is clean.

Don’t under-power your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the load.

Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller.

A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.

Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for more helpful tips on reducing fuel usage.

2008 Boating Season Comes To End

Buffalo NY - Much to the disappointment of the Buffalo boating

community, mother nature has put an abrupt end to the 2008 boating season at the Erie Basin Marina. After a week of unseasonably warm weather that saw boaters out in the harbor fishing and enjoying the sunshine, last nights cold front and snow showers were an unwelcome reminder that winter is just around the corner.

Alan Jones wrote a tounge in cheek piece for Boating World last fall that explores the winter time boating blues.

For most boaters up north, the season ends somewhere between Labor Day and Halloween. But a few hardy souls bravely soldier on, reasoning that this might be the year global warming officially kicks in, which would allow them to get in a few bonus weekends of boating. For those who push the envelope, here are some tips to let you know when you may have extended your boating season a little too far.

It’s time to pull the plug on this year’s boating if …

[1] The water in your lake is furiously steaming, and it’s not because the city department of recreation has decided to turn it into a giant hot tub.

[2] Your favorite pro football team was mathematically eliminated from the playoffs a month ago.

[3] You can’t get your boat serviced at the local dealership because most of the marine mechanics have migrated south along with the geese … but if your boat is powered by a snowmobile engine, you’re in luck.

[4] You sit on your boat’s ice-cold seat and gasp louder than you do when you open the electric bill.

[5] Your waterskiers get up easily … too easily, it seems, since you haven’t even put your boat in gear yet. This indicates they’re standing on ice.

[6] You check your engine’s oil, and it’s the same viscosity as the last couple of cups of clam chowder in the Crock Pot during the Sunday brunch at the Ramada Inn.

[7] You need a new water-ski tow rope and head down to "Tar-Jay," only to find that section has been seasonally replaced with snow shovels.

[8] After a high-speed run across the lake, you have a frozen grin on your face just like the Joker in the Batman movies.

[9] You finally let your 16-year-old drive the boat, so you can cowardly huddle behind the console facing rearward.

[10] You find yourself wearing more layers of clothing than a shoplifter at The Gap.

[11] After a weekend of fun on the water, you don’t regain feeling in your toes until Tuesday.

[12] Your batteries are as sluggish as the employees on New Year’s Day at the store that opens at 7 o’clock in the morning.

[13] You get to the ultra-popular hangout cove on Saturday, and instead of finding a flotilla of your boating friends, all you see is ice-fishing shacks.

[14] You take your boat off plane, and your family’s eyes are watering profusely … and it’s not because the family hamster died.

[15] Your bimini top is stiffer than your back after lifting weights at the YMCA for the first time in three months.

[16] Your water-ski-crazy kids suddenly get very polite — "You go first this time." "No, I insist, after you." — even when fully clad in neoprene.

[17] You strap on a life jacket, not because you should be wearing one anyway for safety, but for its R-40 insulation value.

[18] You have to add these items to your prelaunch checklist: shovel the driveway, put snow chains on your tow vehicle, and scrape your boat’s windshield.

[19] You go to stock your boat’s cooler with beverages and discover the ice from your last trip is still there.

[20] You go outside to hook up your boat to your tow vehicle, and instead you see a snow sculpture of a taller boat in its place … no wait, that’s your boat, buried under 3 feet of snow.

News Archives September/October 2008

MARINA SLIP HOLDERS AIR CONCERNS

Erie Basin Marina

updated Thu. 09/18/2008 7:39am

We the Slip-Holders of Erie Basin Marina have concerns with the environment that has been developing over the last year at our Marina. Although we welcome the public to visit our beautiful downtown area and assist in it's economic

development. We as the Primary Tenants feel our concerns should be voiced and addressed by Brandon Services and the City of Buffalo.

Over the last year we have had enough incidents and issues that we feel that our personal safety, protection of our personal property, and the quality of our stays at our boats is in jeopardy. I have listed just a few below:

Last year an incident where we had teenagers jumping on someone's personal boat resulted in an attempted stabbing when Marina management, security and slip-holders attempted to restrain them. This could have resulted in a very serious incident.

Recent larcenies of personal property from cars in the parking lot, boats and the dock (beyond the chained entrances). Recent drug overdose in the parking lot. Homeless folks going through garbage cans and dumpsters Teenagers roaming the Marina after dark and attempting to enter the Marina way after the hours that it is open to the public.

Click here to view entire letter.

City Plans "Comprehensive Marina Study"

Erie Basin Marina

updated Wed. 09/17/2008 5:20pm

The City of Buffalo is planning to hire a consultant to address improvements and upgrades to the Erie Basin Marina. The Buffalo News reported today that the city plans to hire a consultant to design a $750,00 project near the marina's observation tower that would include a 300-foot-long boardwalk. According to city Public Works Commissioner Steven J. Stepniak "while that is one of the proposed ideas, the Buffalo News may have jumped the gun on the boardwalk story and in any case thay failed to mention that hiring a specialized consultant is necessary in order to evaluate the whole marina and to prepare a comprehensive plan that will make the marina a more user friendly space"

In an interview with www.eriebasinmarina.org the Commissioner stressed that the plan will focus on all users of the marina including the slip holders. The Commissioner said "We want a plan that will include the need to provide parking for slip holders, that will address security issues such as gated entrances to the docks and that will provide for dock repairs, improvements and additions" He continued by adding that "the city recognizes the need to address the concerns of the slip holders as a priority along with other general repair and maintenance issues involving the marina" The Commissioner also said that the city does not want a "piece-meal plan, so we are asking permission for a consultant to determine the actual cost to have an effective marina not only for the slip holders but for all visitors to the marina.

For anyone interested there will be an informational meeting in council chambers at city hall on Thursday September 18th at 10:00am.

REMNANTS OF IKE STRETCH MARINA LINES TO MAX

Erie Basin Marina

As predicted, the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through Buffalo and The Erie Basin Marina late Sunday night. Creating havoc for boaters at the Erie Basin Marina, sustained winds in excess of 40 mph and gusts of 70 mph pushed the water level in The Erie Basin Marina to near record highs. Boaters, led by veteran Captain Jeff Moore spent the night and early morning tying and re-tying dock lines. More than one boat suffered damage as lines all over the marina snapped from the incredible force of the winds that pushed boats strongly to the east. Captain Moore said "It's the highest I've ever seen" " The big boats are the ones you have to worry about, the smaller boats don't have the weight behind them that will snap the lines." Julie Wolasz, Manager of the Hatch Restaurant said "When I first came down to the docks, I thought I was somewhere else, the boats were so high in the water" The winds also caused damage to the docks where cleats were ripped completely off the two inch thick boards. One large boat "The Rosanna II" was nearly lost as the shear force of the wind stretched her lines to the breaking point and she was holding on for dear life. A group of marina slip holders working as a team were able to board her and attach new lines to her bow, preventing what would have been a catastrophic demise for the boat. By 3:00 am the winds subsided and the water levels began to drop. Boaters began assessing damage once daylight came. Some boats suffered substantial damage to their gel coats and had cleats ripped off. "It could have been worse, just look at those poor people down in Galveston TX, said one boater this morning who chose to remain anonymous." Water levels dipped to lower than normal as of 1:00 pm today.

**ALERT**HIGH WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING

Erie Basin Marina 09/14/2008

SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL BEGIN TO INCREASE THIS EVENING AS THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IKE APPROACH THE REGION. LATE THIS EVENING THE WINDS WILL SHIFT TO THE SOUTHWEST AND WEST...THEN QUICKLY BECOME STRONG AND GUSTY. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH TO 60 MPH ARE POSSIBLE FOR A SEVERAL HOUR PERIOD.

WINDS IN THE LOWER OHIO VALLEY HAVE BEEN STRONG AND DAMAGING TODAY. IF THESE WIND SPEEDS CONTINUE AS IKE MOVES NORTHEAST...THE WIND ADVISORIES MAY NEED TO BE UPGRADED.

WINDS OF THESE MAGNITUDES MAY CAUSE PROPERTY DAMAGE WITHOUT EXTRA PRECAUTIONS. STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO AND OTHER RADIO AND TV STATIONS FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR UPDATES.

News Archives August 2008

City Announces Installation of 4 Surveillance Camaras Around Marina

Erie Basin Marina

The City of Buffalo announced that the Buffalo Police Department will begin installation of four new high tech surveillance camaras around The Erie Basin Marina in an effort to deter would be criminals from targeting slip holders and visitors personal property. Officials still continue to stress that all persons visiting The Erie Basin Marina, the

Outer and Inner Harbors should pay special attention to keep valuables out of sight when being stored in a vehicle. The camaras are slated to be installed one on the top of the tower, one at the Hatch, one at the Central Wharf and one at a yet to be determined location on the Outer Harbor. The new camaras will be monitored at police headquarters.

Grande Mariner Continues Great American Waterways 2008 Tour