After years of economic decline, three urban centers in upstate New York are in the midst of significant redevelopment, with corresponding infrastructure improvements. In October, ASCE Rochester Section Members learned about the I-81 viaduct project in Syracuse, which represents over $1 billion in transportation improvements alone. This comes on the heels of the revitalization in Buffalo, the recipients of the “Buffalo Billion” among other public and private investments.

 As the Buffalo/Niagara tourism website will tell you, the “jewel in the waterfront crown” is the Canalside project. With investments totaling over $300 million dollars, it has become a year-round attraction for visitors to the city (most notably to its 35,000 sq. ft. ice rink on the Erie Canal). But the waterfront development is not nearly done yet, and like any major program, it has both its supporters and its detractors.

So as Rochester looks to maximize the value of its own natural and redevelopable resources, what can we take away from Buffalo’s successes and challenges? Come find out on November 15!