There are three possible plans now under consideration for the Outer Harbor.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation showcased the options Monday, based on feedback from a meeting in July.  

"We want the waterfront to be for everyone, and there's so much space out there,” said Steven Ranalli, regional vice president of development for Empire State Development. “We want to hear from everybody and get their ideas before we can go in and where those investments need to be.”

An estimated $5 million in funding from the first Buffalo Billion installment has already gone into the Outer Harbor, developing a bike park and events lawn that will open next spring.

The money is also responsible for the restoration of 30 acres of land along the Outer Harbor.

Another $15 million in funding, from the second Buffalo Billion allotment, has been set aside for this new project.

"As an environmentalist, the opportunity to incorporate economic development with environmental restoration and habitat restoration. This is a big deal for Western New York," said Paul Fuhrmann.

Groups like 21st Century Park on the Outer Harbor have paid especially close attention to the project that will affect Wilkeson Point, Bell Slip and Terminal B.

Group member Sarah Martin says they hope to see Frederick Law Olmsted's original vision for the Outer Harbor come to fruition.

"We're looking for traits of Olmsted's designs like those meandering trails, areas where people can walk, picnic, or do passive recreational activities," Martin said.

People who did not attend Monday's meeting can still submit comments over the next month.

A final public meeting is set for February.

"We'll narrow this down to a preferred option and once we have the community's support in that, we'll go to the ECHDC board for approval on the direction to move forward," Ranalli said.

Ranalli says he expects construction to begin in one to two years.