WGRZ NBC-2
Bass Pro Study Complete
Posted by: Robyn Young, Reporter
Created: 7/5/2005 2:21:54 PM
Updated: 7/6/2005 8:50:55 PM
Seeking an independent voice on Buffalo's Bass Pro store proposal, the Western New York Coalition for Progress embarked on a five-month study of the deal.
The verdict: overall, it would be a plus for Buffalo, though not a magic bullet.
"I personally think it could be a great boon to downtown," said coalition member Alan Bedenko. He cautioned that Bass Pro would not transform Buffalo by itself, but based on stores in other cities, it would boost tax revenue and jobs and spur spinoff business, as well as draw visitors.
For instance, the group found that the new Bass Pro store in the Finger Lakes Mall in Auburn increased tax revenue by 7% and also is credited for a drop in the unemployment rate.
Based on the impact of other stores, the group supports the $66 million in public incentives for Bass Pro to build in Buffalo, including $14 million from Erie County and the city.
Though positive overall, the coalition listed some concerns in its report, which will be sent to all of the players in the project.
For one, the group would like to see the skyway dismantled for better access to the waterfront. Though they found no complaints elsewhere, they would like to know that Bass Pro will pay fair wages and benefits. (As a private company, Bass Pro would not release such details). The coalition also wants assurances that Bass Pro will not abandon Buffalo. Further, they wonder if local authorities could reduce the sales tax in the waterfront district to lure shoppers.
Bedenko said the city has been disappointed before with large scale project proposals.
"You have a big announcement and political people show up, and they tout themselves and they tout what they're doing fo Buffalo, and nothing ever comes of it. So, we're always concerned that that's going to happen again," Bedenko said.
A memorandum of understanding between Bass Pro and local leaders was signed in February and March, outlining the project. It calls for a 250,000 square foot Outdoor World in the Aud, which would be the company's third largest store. The project includes a hotel, restaurant, Great Lakes-themed museum, and a combination parking garage/transportation center at the nearby site of the Donovan State Office Building. The agreement calls for the store to open in spring of 2007.
A final contract, however, has not yet been signed.
"I think wer'e still very excited about it. We're looking forward to the opportunity, looking forward to being part of the community, and hopefully everything will be worked out," said Bass Pro Corporate Relations Manager Larry Whiteley.
According to the memorandum of understanding, Bass Pro was to have provided schematic designs for the store by last week. That did not happen. The memorandum also called for work to begin in March to gut the Aud. That also had not begun.
"I'm confident things are moving forward. I wish they'd go faster, but I'm still confient and hopeful things will work out," said Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello.
Authorities with Empire State Development said they are still working out the details of the lease agreement and development plan, and they hope to have that plan signed soon.
Whiteley said the company's designers are behind schedule, because they are also working on other proposed store locations.
In the meantime, requests are going out for companies to demolish the Donovan State Office Building next year, and for architectural firms interested in designing the museum, according to Empire State Development officials.
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