| The "Waterfront Problem" is one of the key reasons we need to reform local government. Buffalo's position on the Waterfront gives it a natural resource that is truly stunning. Unfortunately, this asset has remained undeveloped for over twenty five years. Twenty five years is a long time to fret over a readily solvable problem. We are unable to reach decisions on urban planning because of our split decision making structure. At the heart of our region, we have two executives and two legislatures trying to make decisions. It is hard enough for one executive and one legislature to agree on large scale urban planning; we certainly do not need two of each. The outcome of our gridlock is readily apparent as you stand among the expanse of scrub brush that makes up our current waterfront. There are many examples of the Waterfront Problem. The Peace Bridge also lies undeveloped for years, lacking a unified, powerful governmental entity on the U.S. side to push through the bureaucratic tangles associated with an international crossing. The Waterfront Problem is particularly acute when negotiating with outside parties. When Albany negotiates against the WNY region, it is easy for Albany to execute a divide-and-conquer strategy. By handing out a payout to either the city or the county at a particular point in time, it can quickly solve a short term problem for one entity, and not need to address any of the fundamental long-term problems of the region. |
