Higgins, Kennedy, Schroeder Announce Construction at Gallagher Beach

Project to Add Improved Public Access, Amenities Along Buffalo’s Waterfront

Congressman Brian Higgins, New York Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder announced the latest project contributing to the transformation of Buffalo’s waterfront. The Western New York leaders released details on the current construction project at Gallagher Beach.

“In incremental steps we are building the waterfront that this community demanded and deserves,” said Congressman Higgins. “These improvements will complement the new Parkway and give waterfront destination seekers a new outlet to visit and enjoy.”

Senator Kennedy, ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, said, “With each development and new attraction, we are building the growth potential of our waterfront and our region. As the waterfront revitalization progresses, it is bringing in more and more people to explore Western New York's shorelines. This influx of construction and new visitors is opening up new opportunities for private-sector investment and encouraging job creation.”

"In just a few short years, Gallagher Beach and the Outer Harbor have seen significant improvements that have brought new life to the Buffalo's waterfront," said Schroeder. "The construction taking place now will take the waterfront to the next level, creating a top-notch destination on the water's edge."

Prior to construction of the now complete Outer Harbor Parkway, a panel of local landscape experts considered and recommended design elements to enhance the project and surrounding area. The Gallagher Beach improvement work was one of several node projects adjacent to the Outer Harbor Parkway recommended by the panel.

Improvements to the Gallagher Beach area include a new pavilion which includes twin architectural steel structures adjacent to the Gallagher Beach Pier as well as seating areas, lighting and other landscape and streetscape features. The project is managed by the New York State Department of Transportation and funded with $650,000 in federal highway dollars. A local West Seneca company, Man O’Trees Inc. is doing the construction work which is scheduled for completion this fall.

In 1998, then-Assemblyman Brian Higgins fought for funding to improve conditions at Gallagher Beach. The boardwalk, fishing pier, small watercraft launch and parking area which followed became the first waterfront development project undertaken in Buffalo in decades. Today’s Gallagher Beach project is just one of several ongoing works along the Inner and Outer Harbors as well as the Buffalo River.

Kennedy, Higgins and Schroeder announce the construction project at Gallagher Beach.