by Dale Hannah
GAF Park
5Apr2008 Filed under: Authorities, Erie, GAF, People Power, Promoting Erie, Uncategorized, random thoughts, revitalization Author: Dale HannahNow that the All-Powerful Erie Port Authority has shown interest in the GAF property, I’m sure that in due time it will become part of their real estate holdings. It seems they have already included the property in their next development phase. I haven’t seen any suggested use, but I would like to put my own idea up for thought,
What If the property was cleaned up, then developed for a beautiful, bayfront, public(gasp) park? FREE, so everyone could come to watch the sunsets? Maybe a little playground for the little ones, lots of grass and benches, even a stool or two for the fishermen. Plenty of room for family picnics. Easy access, parking nearby in the ramp, and shuttles. Perhaps an ice cream/hotdog stand, real toilet facilities. Wi-Fi. More grass and trees.
The biggest draw would be accessibility all day and evening, so it could be utilized, unlike Liberty Park, as simply a great spot to spend a day or evening next to a Great Lake, in a Great City, to enjoy a Great Life!!!!!
- Tags: bayfront, parks, playgrounds
6 Responses to “GAF Park”
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About 'What If?'
I am a life-long resident of Erie County, twenty years of which were spent living in the City of Erie. I retired from the tool-and-die trade two years ago, and now have time to enjoy the opportunity to observe city and county goings-on in more depth.
I hope to create a venue to suggest new ideas and solutions to exisiting problems with my blog, 'What If?'.
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Dennis
April 6th, 2008 at 7:17 am
And all the unemployed citizens can sit there and watch the city go bankrupt.
This is THE most valuable real estate around. It’s worth millions. The Highest and Best Use (HABU) is the use of a property that would be it’s most efficient or profitable use. That’s condos, high end retail shops and possibly restaurants. When developed it will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in tax revenue.
rose
April 6th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Wonderful [or shall I say GREAT]Idea. It is so sad to see the limited public access growing ever smaller down at the bayfront and a park would make an attractive addition to the area. I have enjoyed many evening summer walks along the bayfront promenade as I live quite close to downtown. People are missing out when they do not get out of their cars and enjoy the view from the walkway also.
Erie BlogWatch
April 6th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Great idea in principle. Erie’s bayfont is a treasure that many cities would love to have.
However, my inclination is that a public (gasp) free (double-gasp) park down there unfortunately would end up attracting undesirables and getting “trashed”. [I hate that term but can’t think of another choice right now.]
That is not a reason in itself to avoid establishing a park in such a picturesque spot.
However, I have to wonder whether in this era of stretched budgets, the powers-that-be have the determination to fund its upkeep adequately. Also, do the city fathers have the resources and fortitude to effectively enforce no-loitering / anti-vandalism laws over the inevitable outcries of the ACLU bleeding heart types ? Otherwise, the new facility will become another drug-, vice- and crime- ridden no-man’s land in Survivor Erie like Perry Square, Griswold Park, etc. It’s sad to contemplate but let’s be pragmatic.
I really hope I’m wrong in my outlook, but I’m not optimistic.
Steve
April 10th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
In theory, your idea is a great one and I agree that we need more places for locals to just relax on the bayfront.
But I agree with Dennis that this property is a huge opportunity for investment in the bayfront. If Erie wants the convention center to thrive, something has to be built on that spot that mixes retail and entertainment opportunities. The bayfront is Erie’s greatest asset and one of the most unique aspects about the regions. To make Erie a destination, it has to be built up wisely.
We need those parks for the locals to enjoy, but need more reasons for out of towners to come to the Bayfront. Look at the area now. Honestly, is there enough to do down there right now for a visitor to spend more than 4 hours? Sure, visit the Maritime Museum. Go up the tower. Visit the art gallery, if its open. Have dinner at Rum Runners or Smugglers. Victorian Princess if it offers rides, but not really sure how that works. Then what?
If Erie wants the Bayfront to be a destination, you have to give people something to do at least 12 hours, fill up at least half of their day and make them spend money!!
Dale
April 11th, 2008 at 9:33 am
There are a lot of other places where an area of boutiques could be developed, say across from Liberty Park, which would still allow for green space along the waterfront. Even up the hill would not be a bad location-and there are many places that would profit from redoing. Restaurants along the top of the bluffs would have a beautiful view of the bay. Every touristy attraction doesn’t need to be crammed in on the water front. I don’t know of any city where one does not have to move around to find things to do. The lower west side along the bluff is an area with a lot of houses that are in need of upkeep or replacing.
The city could perhaps locate an assortment of shops in some of the revitalized older homes, creating a funky, artsy, area of small restaurants, art galleries, and shops. No commercial use requires water front property to be successful. A green space in that area would at least give the taxpayer something special for all the taxes they contribute, and may even change some of the attitude about Erie. Keep in mind that a neighborhood’s character is more important than it’s location when it comes to drawing visitors.
Ravenal
April 12th, 2008 at 8:58 am
The sun doesn’t set in the Bay and I think Steve has it right.