Framework Update - Buffalo Niagara Partnership

For decades, important decisions about the location and pace of development, investments in economic development, the extension of sewer and water service, improvements to parks and major public facilities, and investments in transportation infrastructure throughout our region have been made without a clear sense of how individual actions influence the area's livability and economic vitality.

The Framework for Regional Growth seeks to change all that. Born from the need for coordination and consistency, the Framework establishes basic policies and principles regarding all matters concerning future growth and land development.

I am pleased to update you regarding adoption and implementation of the Framework for Regional Growth.

It was developed by Erie and Niagara counties through a process that included all affected parties - planners, developers, municipalities, preservationists, environmentalists and business (represented by our NOW Campaign volunteer Tim Loftis). The goal is to provide a shared vision for growth while removing uncertainty from the development process.

Why is implementation of the Framework so important to the Partnership and to everyone reading this e-mail?

First of all, it provides much needed clarity with regard to "what is wanted where." This gets everyone on the same page and means that developers, and the businesses they represent, no longer have to guess about the political viability of projects. Without the guidance provided by the Framework, they dedicate resources to getting zoning ordinances, attending public meetings and obtaining permits rather than having pre-permitted land available.

In addition, poorly planned growth costs taxpayers a lot of money. At present, Niagara and Erie counties are on course to pay over $900 million for new infrastructure over the next 20 years. This is far too much money to see spent in an ad-hoc manner. Coordinated and strategic infrastructure investment would benefit everyone and will likely cost less.

Finally, clarity leads to strategic alignment of vital economic development tools such as IDA incentives. With the Framework as a guide, public investment can be better focused on where infrastructure already exists, and where it makes sense for target industries to move and expand.

Let's look at a recent situation that illustrates the need for clarity and guidance on development. In the Town of Amherst, debate continues regarding development of an area that is properly zoned, is developable and has existing infrastructure. Under the Framework's guidelines, this land is a prime target for smart investment, as opposed to sprawling development in outer ring suburbs. Unfortunately, individual political agendas instead of a shared vision for growth are driving discussion and debate.

So where are we now? Erie and Niagara counties have approved the Framework. However, for it to be effective, the municipalities now need to adopt it and adhere to it. This requires a major advocacy and education effort, which is underway via our NOW Campaign but needs your help.

Specifically, the Partnership is advocating for Framework adoption by local municipal and IDA officials throughout the two counties. In fact just last week, we had a very successful session with the Erie County Association of Governments. We are also engaged in an education campaign - presenting the Framework "road show" to community groups and civic organizations - to inform citizens about the Framework's value for our region.

Needless to say, this is a huge undertaking for which we need your help! We've got to reach every elected official in the bi-county region. If you are interested in joining a network of volunteers reaching out to elected officials, local IDA's and civic organizations, please contact Craig Turner - cturner@thepartnership.org - to get involved.

Please keep in mind that adoption of the Framework, for which Partnership staff and dedicated volunteers have toiled for over five years, is only effective if the municipalities and their related economic development agencies commit to it.