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Port Authority outlines master plan refresh for former Erie Coke site, flags environmental testing and phased redevelopment
Summary
The Port Authority presented a master-plan refresh for the former Erie Coke site, noting DEP remediation work is ongoing, market analyses estimating up to 1,800 construction jobs and a federal $2 million demolition allocation, and that public outreach will continue as cleanup and redevelopment options are evaluated.
The Port Authority presented a condensed "Master Plan Refresh" for the former Erie Coke site to Erie City Council on June 3, explaining how the authority plans to pair environmental remediation with phased redevelopment and continued public outreach.
Deputy Executive Director Anna France summarized the plan’s goals and timeline, saying the Port Authority acquired the 100-acre site in 2024 and is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on ongoing testing. "DEP is still on the ground there," France said, and the agency is expected to publish a remediation alternatives analysis later this year to guide cleanup options.
France said the plan does not pick a single industry for the site; rather it frames several development scenarios that reflect environmental constraints and community priorities gathered in recent outreach. The Port’s market and maritime studies estimate the regional fishing and boating sector generates about $115,000,000 annually, and the document projects construction-phase jobs between 1,000 and 1,800, a more conservative estimate of nearly 1,000 on-site permanent jobs, $128,000,000 in annual GDP at full build-out, and roughly $13,200,000 in combined federal, state and local fiscal revenue.
The plan includes a greener scenario that would reserve about 79 acres of open, waterfront space — more than double the size of Frontier Park — while other scenarios expand marina and port storage capacity. France emphasized the work will be phased and iterative. "We still are doing environmental testing," she said. "There’s going to be unforeseen opportunities and challenges."
Council members praised the Port Authority’s outreach and encouraged more detailed study sessions. Council President Titus and others said they want the public to remain closely involved; the Port indicated all proposals and presentations will be posted on its website and that it will continue soliciting public input as remediation and redevelopment options evolve.
The Port authority also noted a pending federal allocation of roughly $2,000,000 intended to support demolition of structures on the site, and said it has been coordinating with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority on next steps. No formal council action was requested at the meeting; presenters asked council to consider a future study session for deeper review.
Next steps: the Port Authority expects DEP’s remediation alternatives analysis this year, continuing environmental testing and phased planning. Council members requested a study session to review the plan in detail before any formal approvals.
