Bass Pro has decided not to open up a store in Buffalo after nearly a decade of exploring the possibility.
The decision came 11 days after New York State Rep. Brian Higgins called for a two-week deadline on Bass Pro's decision.
Bass Pro President James Hagale responded to the congressman July 30 in a letter, “Unfortunately, we cannot respond favorably to the lease draft forwarded to us by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. within the 14-day time period you requested in your letter. There are numerous critical reasons for our position, including the fact that several major issues fundamental to the successful completion of the project remain unresolved.”
He added, “We have in good faith expended significant time and invested
well over one million dollars in working with ECHDC and many other
supporters on due diligence and design, first with the Aud, and then
with the current Canal Side master plan. We hope our efforts and
suggestions prove to be beneficial to the project over the long term.
Congressman,
we agree with you that this process has taken far too long as we have
also tried to remain patient and positive toward the project as
significant issues were identified that have caused repeated delays. You
stated in your letter that the Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation could proceed successfully with the Canal Side project
without our involvement. We believe this approach would be in the best
interests of all parties, and earlier today informed the ECHDC that we
are withdrawing from further consideration of this development.
During
our many visits to Buffalo we have come to appreciate the beauty and
history of the Buffalo waterfront. We wish you and the ECHDC every
success with the Canal Side project.”
Following the letter, Higgins released a statement on his website.
“The last nine years of limbo is unreasonable and unfortunate but today, with nothing holding us back, we continue the momentum we already see along the waterâ€s edge.”
Higgins said Bass Pro took advantage of the deadline to gracefully exit.
“They're not coming, but they never were. They've always wanted an out — I gave them an out,” the congressman said.
Bass Pro initially began talks with Buffalo officials in 2001. In 2004, Bass Pro officially announced its intentions to build at the site as a part of the area's waterfront redevelopment, which has become a more than $250 million expansion.
Critics denounced the use of tens of millions in
public subsidies to reel it in; demanded a living wage and other
agreements in exchange for a transfer of city land; released a report
that cast doubt on Bass Pro's ability to generate economic development
and boost tax rolls; and filed a lawsuit claiming the project violated
the state constitution.
Bass Pro chairman Johnny Morris said the face that the situation had become a community lightning rod was one of the
factors to not go ahead with the project.
