Erie Western Pennsylvania Port Authority is looking for input on changes coming to the Bayfront. On Monday, the port authority posted the master development and facilities plans online for the Bayfront. The Detroit-based team, Albert Kahn Associates, is looking 20 years into the future for Erie.

​

According to YourErie, Brenda Sandberg, the executive director, said they plan to leave the plans up for a month to take feedback from community members.

​

“It’s important for the community to give input into the development of the Bayfront because I believe the community understands that we all own the water and the Bayfront,” said Sandberg.

​

She said they will hold a public meeting to go over the feedback in December or January.

​

For years, the Bayfront has been used for industrial use. Some community members want the Bayfront to remain open or as parking space. Others want the new developments to be taxable.

​

The master plan includes the master plan process, historic changes to the bayfront, existing land conditions and land use analysis, proposed land use, the master plan, and master plan recommendations.  

​

Some possible opportunities listed in the place include abundant public waterfront access, a generous amount of parking spaces, well-designed trials, industrial port in a remote location with space of expansion, and a variety of public and private boat launch locations. Some of the constraints to these opportunities are disconnected spaces, underutilized areas, limited connections, lack of connections from Bayfront to downtown and neighborhoods, lacks “parkway” feel, and minimal housing, commercial and retail options.

​

Dobbins Landing and the Bicentennial Tower would become a destination point in the plan completed with shops, restaurants and even possibly add a Ferris wheel overlooking the bay.

​

Penn State students weigh in on the possible changes to Erie’s Bayfront. Carson Williamson, a chemistry major, thinks the plan is a great idea and hopes that it becomes true in the future for Erie. He said, “I think it would be awesome to have a Ferris wheel to look at the beautiful bay. It would bring in more people downtown and add great additions for families surrounding Erie.”

​

Brandon Moten, a graduating senior, wishes the plans would happen sooner. “I wish these plans were for the near future instead of 20 years out. In 20 years, Erie might not want or need the same things as it does now. That time frame seems extremely long and might cause issues later on.”