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"One Word: Elvisland."

Name: Chad Martin

Occupation: Professor

Residence: Buffalo

US Representative Brian Higgins has asked the Coast Guard to turn over 20 acres of its waterfront property to be turned into parkland. How do you feel about that?

It’s good to see the waterfront being used for something. What can we do to make this city more cosmopolitan, I think that’s the big thing. From what I’ve seen of the waterfront, there is a lot of industrial wasteland and I applaud Brian Higgins for wanting to step up.

What do you think is more important for the waterfront, parkland or commercial development that yields tax revenue?

I think they are both important. I think in the long run the park would make the city a better place to live and I think that in turn will bring people to the city.

What would you like to see done on the waterfront? Build up the area and make it a place that people want to go. And make sure that it involves a lot of action and a lot of planning.

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Name: Ryan Hartnett

Occupation: Graduate student and philosophy instructor

Residence: North Buffalo

US Representative Brian Higgins has asked the Coast Guard to turn over 20 acres of its waterfront property to be turned into parkland. How do you feel about that?

I think it sounds like a good idea that would benefit Buffalo economically.

What do you think is more important for the waterfront, parkland or commercial development that yields tax revenue?

I think having a park is far more important. For our overall well-being living in the city of Buffalo, I think it’s easier to have natural surroundings.

What would you like to see done on the waterfront?

Buildings need to be destroyed, first of all, that are not in use any longer. I would like to improve the harbor itself, make it more accessible and interesting to people from Buffalo and outside of Buffalo. The park is nice too, but I think the harbor is what will really attract people.

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Name: Lonnie Harrell

Occupation: Sales clerk

Residence: Buffalo

US Representative Brian Higgins has asked the Coast Guard to turn over 20 acres of its waterfront property to be turned into parkland. How do you feel about that?

I think it’s a great idea. I was down in Baltimore, in their harbor, and it’s absolutely beautiful, it’s breathtaking. And I think Buffalo needs something like that.

What do you think is more important for the waterfront, parkland or commercial development that yields tax revenue?

Well, I think a park because it would bring people back to the city. If there aren’t any people here than you can’t get taxes anyway.

What would you like to see done on the waterfront?

I think they should put up restaurants, maybe some activities like a theme park.

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Name: Rosanna Heckl

Occupation: Housewife

Residence: Lancaster

US Representative Brian Higgins has asked the Coast Guard to turn over 20 acres of its waterfront property to be turned into parkland. How do you feel about that?

I think small steps need to be taken to improve the waterfront that don’t involve huge city bureaucracies. This is a plus.

What do you think is more important for the waterfront, parkland or commercial development that yields tax revenue?

If you can take that space and make it something that the people of Buffalo can enjoy, I would go for that rather than hope for lower taxes.

What would you like to see done on the waterfront?

I would like to see it developed in a fashion that would respect the environment, the culture of Buffalo and the people who live here. That everyone can enjoy. That it not necessarily be a nightspot for gamblers and drinkers, but it should be for people with families.