By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

Public outcry over a revised Canal Side development plan has led the directors of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. to delay for at least two weeks a vote on whether to move forward on the blueprint for the 20-acre downtown site.

They were due to vote Nov. 16 on a modified Canal Side development plan, which changed after Bass Pro stores decided not to open its Buffalo location. But following a number of sessions - some organized by the agency and others by community groups - they decided to delay their vote until at least Nov. 29.

The move gained traction in recent days with Assemblyman Sam Hoyt and Rep. Brian Higgins leading the charge.

"This allows for more opportunity for the people to opine and discuss," said Jordan Levy, chairman, Erie Canal Harbor Development. "We are taking more time to do the right thing; we are taking more time to do the responsible thing. We have to be accountable to everyone."

The agency has set six open-house sessions for public input. In addition, it will meet with local business and political leaders.

The sessions, to be held at agency offices at 95 Perry St., are scheduled as follows:

• Nov. 17, 2-4 p.m.

• Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m.

• Nov. 19, 2-4 p.m.

• Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-noon.

• Nov. 23, 5-7 p.m.

• Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-noon.

Public input also can be made through the harbor development corporation's website and e-mail.

"We are trying to reach out to as many people as we can," Levy said. "We've learned over time that if there 10 people in the room, there are usually 12 opinions.

I'm not sure we can please everyone," he added.

Canal Side, which is viewed as a transformative project for downtown Buffalo and the region, calls for a series of shops, offices, restaurants and retailers in a 20-acre parcel that runs from Lower Terrace Street where Memorial Auditorium stood south to the doorstep of HSBC Arena.

In addition to nearly 1 million square feet of space, the project includes a network of replica canals and cobblestone streets in recognition of Buffalo's role as the terminus of the Erie Canal.

Yet, despite its promise, Canal Side has become a lightning rod for criticism and lawsuits.

Levy said some 85 percent of 503 comments his agency received about the modified plan asked for a delay.

"There has been a wide variety of thoughts about what we should and shouldn't do," he said.

He and other ECHDC board members, including Mayor Byron Brown, said they are open to all Western New Yorkers, including the silent majority, offering suggestions about Canal Side.

"Every single opinion is useful," Brown said. "It will help us come out with a better outcome."

The board got a sneak preview during the recent meeting when local preservationist Tim Tielman offered a dozen ways to make Canal Side more historically accurate, with a greater emphasis on public space than commercial ventures. Among the suggestions: constructing a permanent public pavilion near the Central Wharf site; starting ferry service from Canal Side to various north and south locations; and building an Erie Canal museum.

Levy said agency directors have "an open mind."

"We will listen to what the people say before we make any decision."