The waterfront has become North Tonawanda’s defining feature and economic engine. Laura Wilson, Director of Community Development for the City of North Tonawanda, notes how the city has systematically developed these resources: “We’ve used our waterfront as an asset and something we’ve leveraged as downtown was slowly starting to evolve. Back in the nineties, we redeveloped Gateway Harbor Park based on recommendations from the New York State Canal Corporation, creating a waterfront park where people could visit.” This strategic location between Niagara Falls and Buffalo positions North Tonawanda as a destination and a connecting point. The city’s leadership is now focused on expanding its appeal beyond seasonal visitors. “We’re looking at ways to make Gateway Harbor an asset in the winter months too,” says Wilson. “Our goal is to make North Tonawanda a year-round destination for every demographic and interest, whether businesses, residents, or visitors.” REVITALIZING THE WATERFRONT AND BUSINESS DISTRICT North Tonawanda’s downtown revitalization story is one of methodical planning and strategic investment. At the heart of this transformation is the historic Riviera Theatre, which has served as the anchor of the downtown district for decades. From this foundation, the city has built a diverse commercial ecosystem that now boasts an impressive array of dining options. “We have a ton of different businesses downtown. Over time, restaurants started springing up alongside various shops, creating a real diversity of options— Italian, French, Mexican, American—you name it,” says Mayor Tylec.“We’re also updating our local waterfront revitalization plan and our comprehensive plan, with much of the focus on enhancing our waterfront areas and creating more ways for the public to engage with them.” The city’s development has been propelled by significant state funding secured through careful planning. “We were recognized in 2017 with a $2.5 million award from the Smart Growth Fund through Empire State Development,” Wilson explains. “With those funds we implemented placemaking improvements throughout Webster Street and Gateway Harbor, including upgrades for boaters, walkability enhancements, pedestrian-scale lighting, and wayfinding features to set the stage for future development.” This momentum continued with a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in 2021, following a year-long planning process.The focus has now expanded beyond the thriving core.“Downtown has grown their wings—they have been successful “ says Wilson. “But now our focus has shifted toward expanding our downtown footprint to include Tonawanda Island, the Main Street corridor, and Oliver Street, which is a more depressed area of our city that we’re working to revitalize.” 151 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 NORTH TONAWANDA, NY
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