This notice is issued pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review Act) of the Environmental Conservation Law.

DATE:	March 1, 2002
LEAD AGENCY:	Erie County
NAME OF ACTION:	New Buffalo Convention Center Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
LOCATION:	Downtown Buffalo - area bounded by Broadway, Main Street, Huron Street and Oak Street City of Buffalo, Erie County, New York

DESCRIPTION OF ACTION:

Construction of a new 400,000 gross square foot convention center with a 125,000 square foot main exhibit hall on an 11-acre site in downtown Buffalo; also included is the construction of a 1,250-space parking facility and an evaluation of the potential to accommodate a headquarters-quality hotel within or adjacent to the project site.

A Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been completed and accepted on March 1, 2002 by the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning as lead agency for the proposed action described above. Comments on the Draft EIS are requested and will be accepted by the contact person until 4:00 p.m., April 1, 2002. A public hearing will be held on March 18, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at the Erie Community College City Campus Auditorium, 121 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York.

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:

Among the potential impacts identified in the DEIS are the following:

• Demolition of up to 46 existing buildings, including several which are eligible for listing on the State and National Register of Historic Places;
• Lost "opportunity costs" precluding other potential development on the site;
• Relocation of businesses employing an estimated 659 people now on site;
• Creation of approximately 1,800 short-term construction-related jobs.

A copy of the Draft EIS may be obtained from:

CONTACT PERSON:

Mr. Michael J. Krasner, Senior Planner Erie County Department of Environment   and Planning Edward A. Rath County Office Building 95 Franklin Street, Room 1014 Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 858-6086