BUFFALO - A group of local landscape and design experts were joined today by Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn and City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown as they announced recommendations for the landscape and urban design elements for a new, 3.3-mile Parkway running parallel to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.

The uniquely qualified Western New Yorkers who met several times over the last few months served in an advisory capacity to the New York State Department of Transportation to devise a plan for the landscaping along the new parkway-like boulevard. 

The new $55 million project will transform Fuhrmann Boulevard from a confusing, unsafe and underutilized road to a two-way, tree-lined parkway which delivers unprecedented public access and pastoral beauty to the water’s edge.  Major construction on the 36-month project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2010.

The following are some of the more significant recommendations made by the Panel:

• Fuhrmann Boulevard will now have one moving lane and one parking lane in each direction.  A center median and bulb-outs at intersections will make the roadway more pedestrian friendly;
• A continuous multi-use path will serve to tie the project together from beginning to end along this three-mile stretch.  The path will be a perfect place for a family bicycle outing, for walkers, joggers, rollerbladers or anyone who chooses to spend time along this great waterfront;
• The design will help to enhance a “sense of place,” and help spark waterfront revitalization, while making the Outer Harbor a destination upon completion of the project; 
• The project will improve access to existing amenities and provide new amenities and recreational areas, including fishing piers, access walkways, benches and public artwork;
• The design takes its cues from the natural environment and ecosystem of Lake Erie and from the rich industrial heritage of Buffalo.  The design recognizes the past while looking to the future; 

The parkway will provide an aesthetically pleasing and easy way to reach the Outer Harbor and its amenities.  The environment will include naturalistic, low maintenance amenities and plantings.

The Outer Harbor Parkway is compatible with any future at-grade Buffalo River Crossing.