I recently wrote an op-ed for the Buffalo News that was published a few weeks ago. I’ve been fascinated by Niagara Falls (both the City and the majestic waterfall) for my entire life, and this fascination has grown over the past decade. In my view, the City of Niagara Falls is at a turning point and is on the verge of something special.
Click here to read the piece on the Buffalo News website. I’ve also included the full text below.
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Another Voice: Niagara Falls is making a comeback
By Christian Campos
Something special is happening in Niagara Falls. The city is poised to reinvent itself as a world-class tourist destination.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly, momentum has been building over the past several years in a way that is reminiscent of the early stages of Buffalo’s transformation.
A group of committed and visionary public officials, business owners and residents have been moving important projects forward. Some of these projects are large and transformational in and of themselves, but most are smaller, incremental projects.
Connections between the downtown core and the waterway are being re-established. Niagara Falls State Park has been rebuilt and is starting to realize its potential. Streetscapes and circulation patterns in the city are being intelligently redesigned.
A new train station has been built that could serve as a key access point to the greater Toronto area, opening up the possibility of easy travel to and from Canada’s largest city. Public-private partnerships have been established to complete several meaningful projects in the central tourism district. Vibrancy and walkability are returning to Third Street, with restaurants and shops and public art.
This year it appears that a critical mass is being reached, a tipping point, just like the one that was reached in Buffalo about 10 years ago and is continuing today.
The Robert Moses Parkway north of downtown is being removed and converted into parkland and green space. In addition to creating a spectacular natural tourist attraction, this will transform the surrounding residential neighborhoods by reconnecting them to the Niagara Gorge.
A significant number of properties in the downtown core and along Main Street that sat undeveloped for decades have recently changed hands and are becoming active projects. The optimism of residents is starting to grow. Outside investors are seeing opportunity and taking on new projects, as well.
It is important to recognize and appreciate the efforts and the passion of those who have committed themselves to turning Niagara Falls around over the past decade. They have set the stage for this important moment.
TM Montante Development is completing a project in Niagara Falls to restore three abandoned buildings at the corner of Seventh and Niagara streets, which sits at a gateway to the downtown core. Vacant structures will become vibrant again, housing new residents and workers.
TM Montante Development is investing in Niagara Falls because we see the progress that’s been made, and we believe in the city's future. We hope that others will join us.
Christian Campos is president of TM Montante Development
Published October 30, 2019 in the Buffalo News