Leaders and community voices back the DL&W.

A shared civic aim.

The redevelopment of the DL&W Terminal’s second floor has earned backing from elected officials and community leaders across Buffalo, Western New York, and New York State. Their letters and public expressions of support point to a consistent theme: return a landmark to public use, create jobs and fresh-food access, and strengthen a key waterfront district.

Elected leaders offer support.

Buffalo Common Council Member Mitchell Nowakowski (Fillmore District) calls the redevelopment a transformative investment that delivers living-wage jobs, nutritious food access, and a year-round community hub. Read more

U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy frames the project as a bold investment that pairs historic preservation with an engaging, modern civic experience for residents and visitors. Read more

New York State Senator Sean Ryan describes the DL&W as an extraordinary opportunity for Buffalo, noting cultural uses, a planned interactive arts tenant, fresh-food access, and year-round activation at the waterfront. Read more

Buffalo’s current mayor, Christopher Scanlon, emphasizes the DL&W’s potential to generate long-term economic opportunity while restoring a landmark for everyday civic use. Read more.

Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre describes the project as the rebirth of a major public asset, citing the more than 180 full-time equivalent jobs and its role in addressing food desert conditions in the surrounding neighborhood. Read more.

(All letters of support can be read on the DL&W website.)

Underscored by community voices.

“Positioned along the Buffalo River at the foot of Main Street in downtown Buffalo, the massive structure is undergoing a transformation, including construction of a new Metro Rail station on the ground floor… I urge the National Park Service to support the submission of the DL&W Terminal, advancing a critical lynchpin to the revitalization of Buffalo’s downtown waterfront.” — Brian Higgins, former U.S. Representative.

“The old DL&W, let’s get that done once and for all. I think that has such potential to be another anchor down on our beautiful waterfront.” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York.

“This developer has a track record of success, particularly within this neighborhood. So we’re confident we have the right partner to help it advance.” — Kimberly Minkel, executive director, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

“Bringing more people into lower Main Street works well for us and all the businesses there.” — Ron Raccuia, former vice president, Pegula Sports & Entertainment.

“Sam’s project is about more than just the DL&W Terminal. It can play a key role in connecting Canalside with the Cobblestone District and, by further extension, Buffalo RiverWorks and Kelly Island and Ohio Street.” — Steve Ranalli, former president, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.

“It will be tricky, but when done, this waterfront complex will have 75,000 square feet of indoor space and 55,000 square feet of outdoor space devoted to public amenities… With that right should come appreciation for those brave souls who take them on and applause when they approach completion.” — The Buffalo News Editorial Board.

Affirming the project’s future..

Leaders and community voices agree that Savarino’s DL&W project will create jobs, bring fresh food to the neighborhood, and open the doors of a historic landmark for public use. It’s clear to those who know and love this city that the DL&W redevelopment project is well-positioned to serve Buffalo and its citizens for years to come.

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