BUFFALO, N.Y. — The proposed Buffalo Riverline project has been derailed after years of planning to put in a walkway that would have connected neighborhoods along the Buffalo River with Canalside.
The 1.5-mile, approximately $70 million project was shut down over a management disagreement according to statements from the Western New York Land Conservancy and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, both of whom declined to be interviewed about the decision.
A new nonprofit formed to oversee the project separate from the Land Conservancy appears to be the source of the disagreement.
"We respect, though regret, the Western New York Land Conservancy’s decision to withdraw from its role in the development of the Riverline," the NFTA said in a statement.
The NFTA was a partner to the project because it owns the old DL&W rail line that the trail would have followed. The Buffalo Riverline was supposed to be WNY's version of the New York City High Line.
The WNY Land Conservancy defended the decision in its statement: "As The Riverline project was set to transition from planning to construction, the Riverline Board of Managers and the Land Conservancy voted to create a new 501(c)3 to ensure The Riverline could independently raise funds, apply for grants, and continue to work with the NFTA to complete The Riverline."
However, the NFTA stated that its agreement was not with an independent start-up but without the authority's support, the Conservancy said the Riverline could not happen.
The disagreement will not stop the completion of an ongoing design and environmental review process the NFTA said, which could help with future decision-making about the property.
The WNY Land Conservancy defended its decision and said that creating a new nonprofit is "common" for this type of project and would allow the Riverline to independently raise funds, and apply for grants.
They state that the NFTA "decided it will not work with The Riverline 501(c)3," although both organizations have pointed fingers.
Initially proposed in 2017, the project had concept designs released in 2021 to much fanfare from local elected officials and the public.
Congressman Tim Kennedy supported the project during his time as the State Senator for New York's 63rd District. In a statement, he said he was "disappointed" by the project's shutdown.
"Our community deserves better than another broken promise,” Rep. Kennedy said.
His full statement is posted below.
The $70 million price tag would have connected Canalside to the Red Jacket River Front Park with bridges and bike trails extending into the community and other green spaces.
The initiative aimed to reuse and renovate old rail lines and industrial areas into a "vibrant" nature walkway.
About $1.6 million plus another $1 million, pending a federal appropriation bill had been earmarked for the project.
Those funds will be used to construct the first section of the Buffalo Riverline, build the Mackinaw Street Playgarden, and a section of the Del Woodlands trail according to the Conservancy.
The NFTA's full statement is available below:
"We respect, though regret, the Western New York Land Conservancy’s decision to withdraw from its role in the development of the Riverline. NFTA’s agreement was with a wholly owned subsidiary of the Western New York Land Conservancy, that has a proven track record of success, not with an independent start-up organization.
The Conservancy’s decision does not alter our intention to work cooperatively with the agency or other partners to complete the ongoing design and environmental review process, which will provide valuable information to inform future decision-making about the property.
We will meet all obligations with respect to outstanding grant agreements and will make sure that all grant funds which have been secured by us are invested in tangible improvements to the corridor that support significant and lasting community benefits. An example of a successful land use endeavor would be our rails to trails project in North Buffalo extending into the Northtowns."
The Western New York Land Conservancy's statement reads as follows:
"Since 2017, the Western New York Land Conservancy has worked with NFTA and many community partners and members to support and pursue the community vision to revitalize the DL&W corridor by transforming it into a vibrant nature trail and greenway for all to enjoy. As The Riverline project was set to transition from planning to construction, the Riverline Board of Managers and the Land Conservancy voted to create a new 501(c)3 to ensure The Riverline could independently raise funds, apply for grants, and continue to work with the NFTA to complete The Riverline. This is a model of cooperation common among other Highline Network projects across the United States. This would enable the Land Conservancy to focus on its mission of permanent land protection, while The Riverline could focus on creating and maintaining a greenway trail on the NFTA’s DL&W corridor.
Unfortunately, the NFTA has decided it will not work with The Riverline 501(c)3. This decision is a blow to both the Land Conservancy and The Riverline. It is also a great disappointment to all of the community members, partners, and supporters who have put their time, energy, and resources behind moving this project forward. In the end, this corridor is the property of the NFTA and without their cooperation and participation, nothing is possible.
Thanks to former Congressman Brian Higgins and former State Senator Tim Kennedy, $1.6 million has already been secured by the Land Conservancy in partnership with the NFTA (with another $1 million pending in a Federal appropriation bill). This money is earmarked for the purpose of constructing the first section of The Riverline–the Mackinaw Street Playgarden and a section of the Del Woodlands trail. The Land Conservancy is pleased that the NFTA is committed to fulfilling its obligation under these earmarks. The Riverline staff will continue working through the end of this year on The Riverline Study, which can be used to guide any future work on the project."
Congressman Tim Kennedy statement:
"The Riverline nature trail would transform a long-neglected part of the city into an oasis and a regional attraction to be enjoyed for generations to come. I’m extremely disappointed that after years of planning and investment, this project has been abandoned by the Western New York Land Conservancy. Our community deserves better than another broken promise. I was proud to deliver funding for this project as a State Senator and looked forward to delivering more resources as a Member of Congress. I am calling on the NFTA and all relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to get this project back on track."