The Western New York Coalition for Progress announced Tuesday that its analysis of the $123 million project found it will have a positive impact on Buffalo. "While the initial outlay to the Bass Pro project is large ($66 million in public dollars), there are a number of valid reasons for public investment in the project," the group's analysis concluded.

The coalition cited the potential spin-offs of more downtown retail and housing development, along with a boost in sales and property tax revenues, as expected positive impacts from the giant project.

The group also noted that conversion of Memorial Auditorium from a mothballed sports arena to a state-of-the-art retail complex would bring physical enhancements to the site.

"If done right, the conversion of the Aud into a Bass Pro Outdoor World store can be part of the grand waterfront gateway into the City of Buffalo and a tourist destination for decades to come," the report stated.

The coalition also made some suggestions to ensure Bass Pro is a good fit for Buffalo, including: ensuring "walkability" of the inner harbor neighborhood; good pay and benefits for Bass Pro employees; and a tough final contract with the retailer to govern private investment in the project and long-term ties here.