A Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is a land and water use plan that establishes a vision for waterfront areas and identifies targeted enhancements and projects. The LWRP also identifies a strategy for implementation of projects, defining priorities, responsibilities, and potential funding sources. The LWRP is developed utilizing a community-based process, striving to build consensus from community members about the future for waterfront lands. The planning phase of the project, in which we are currently in, can quickly evolve into tangible implementation funding and projects so the City and its residents can see the results of their planning efforts.

The City has an existing LWRP which was completed and adopted in 1988. With over two decades of use and changing physical and economic conditions in the City, local officials and leaders recognized the need and benefits of updating the current plan. This update effort will build upon the overarching principle identified in the original LWRP – “to establish the City of North Tonawanda as the western gateway of the Erie Canal.”

The benefits of an updated LWRP for the City include:

• Identification of specific projects to stimulate new economic activity, redevelop historic and/or abandoned structures, enhanced waterfront recreation opportunities, and protection of natural resources;
• Increased ability to attract appropriate development;
• Increased opportunities to obtain public and private funding for projects;
• Coordinated review of State and federal actions within boundary to be consistent with LWRP recommendations;
• Formation of new partnerships and collaboration at all levels of government.