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City outlines "1 Bayfront" waterfront master plan and outreach push
Summary
City staff and a consultant described a condensed, community-driven planning process for Erie’s bayfront that aims to turn survey and open‑house feedback into a final blueprint by year-end; staff said outreach will include more open houses, virtual options and targeted focus groups to reach underrepresented residents.
The Erie City Council heard a presentation on July 17 about "1 Bayfront," a city-led, community-driven master plan intended to create a shared vision for the waterfront and guide future development.
Lori Radder Spicer, chief of staff for the mayor, told council the process brings together partners including Infinite Erie, the Port Authority, Erie Events, property owners and WSP as the consultant. "This is a unique case where we have brought together a number of partners," she said, adding the goal is a community-shaped blueprint so councilors and city staff have a clear reference when evaluating waterfront proposals.
Spicer outlined the engagement completed and planned: an in-person open house on June 25, more than 700 survey responses, a virtual open house that remains live, follow-up meetings with 20-plus local organizations, youth-focused outreach and pop-up engagement at festivals such as Blues & Jazz Fest and Celebrate Erie. "We had hundreds of neighbors and residents who came out and participated," she said, noting the consultant is also completing an existing-conditions and market analysis.
Why it matters: waterfront land and development decisions can reshape neighborhoods, local tax revenues and public access. The council was told the plan will define preferred alternatives — from housing to entertainment to expanded public space — and the evaluation criteria the city will use when development proposals arrive.
Council members asked for clarity on the study area and timing. Spicer said the study area runs roughly from Cranberry to near the Land Lighthouse with 3rd Street as a southern boundary; the team expects to move from vision and goals into alternatives this fall and deliver a final plan by the end of the calendar year. She urged residents and councilors to stay engaged during the quick timeline: "This is a fairly quick and condensed planning process which is why we have to be very purposeful about meeting the community where they are."
What to expect next: the city will circulate the draft vision and goals, post additional open-house dates when they are set, and share mid‑phase updates from the consultant. Spicer said she will email council members the materials presented and that the team will provide summaries and cost/phase information for project items as the plan advances.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 531; topfinish SEG 740.
