Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was at Templeton Landing on Wednesday to announce a $1.2 million state challenge grant for a carousel at Canalside in Buffalo.
The governor did not take questions from reporters. So, we asked Canalside representatives to justify the state expense on a carousel. "It's very easy to justify because if you travel the world, anywhere in the world, a carousel is an icon for family gathering and that's exactly one of the guiding principles of Canalside is to attract families and visitors to the attraction," said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chair, Robert Gioia.
This year, Canalside welcomed 1.5 million visitors -- six times the population of Buffalo and 10 times more visitors than it saw in 2010. Cuomo said on the heels of that record-breaking achievement, the installation of the vintage carousel complements the rapid transformation of Buffalo's waterfront.
The new building will enclose the historic, custom-designed wooden carousel to allow for year-round access, provide space for events and activities, and showcase Buffalo’s rich history in carousel making and its vibrant waterfront.
The carousel proposal isn't anything new. Mayor Byron Brown announcing the carousel during his 2016 State of the City Address.
The vintage menagerie, park-style carousel was manufactured in 1924 by Spillman Engineering in North Tonawanda. Buffalo Heritage Carousel acquired the DeAngelis Carousel to provide family oriented recreation on Buffalo’s waterfront and to celebrate Western New York's industrial heritage and legacy of leadership in renewable energy.
Buffalo Heritage Carousel will continue to raise up to $2.8 million in funds to both power and preserve the carousel year-round at Canalside. The carousel is predicted to begin operations in May of 2018 and the price of admission will be set at a maximum of $1.
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