It's familiar land that with the help of the community will soon breathe new life.
The DL&W rail corridor is a ribbon of green that runs from the Buffalo River across from Solar City into downtown Buffalo near Canalside. Land that's been waiting for a new purpose for the past 60 years.
Thanks to the WNY Land Conservancy and support from city, business and community leaders, a new project has officially launched with plans to convert this former industrial landscape into an environmentally-friendly linear park and multi-use trial.
"This is not a new idea. This is happening in major cities like New York, Detroit, Toronto and Chicago. Think about how wonderful it would be to connect neighbors to neighbors and neighborhoods to nature, right here in Buffalo," Nancy Smith, Executive Director of the WNY Land Conservancy said.
The initial community planning process is being funded by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Funds at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. M&T Bank has also presented a challenge gift to help with the design portion of the process - but more support is needed.
"Our goal right now is really to focus on the listening portion of the process. We've held focus groups and will hold more, this is for the community and by the community and feedback is a key form of support," Smith emphasized.
A formal vision plan is set to be unveiled this Spring.
To contribute feedback or donate funds to the rebirth of the DL&W corridor, visit the WNY Land Conservancy website.
