Development of Canalside's North Aud Block is now in the planning and design stage.
The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation said what eventually is built there will be up the public.
- ECHDC seeking public's input on North Aud Block project
- Project is expected to be complete by 2022
- Concept and plan to be determined by the end of summer and early fall
During a public meeting Tuesday, the ECHDC opened the door for the community to provide suggestiosn on what should fill the space.
"If you gonna put something downtown, why not a super youth center, right here, for all the kids," said Wade Broadwater.
The ECHDC wants to make sure that whatever is place at the two-acre site will compliment living, working and playing at Canalside.
"We want to see a mixed-use development, active first floor, and possibly some commercial retail development," said ECHDC President Steven Ranalli.
Lisa Florczak owns Water Bikes of Buffalo at Canalside and said her customers have been vocal about what is lacking at Canalside for the last seven years.
"They ask for things like where can I get something to drink, where can I get some sunscreen, for whatever discomfort they have, a convenience store would be a great idea," Florczak said.
She also suggested building permanent restrooms and a Canalside Visitor Center.
"I act sometimes as Canalside information because people want to know where is Shark Girl, where is the river, where is whatever their looking for," she said.
The Erie County Development Corporation plans to have a concept and plan together for the North Aud by the end of summer or early fall.
From there a final design will be chosen to be built.