Planning commission gives preliminary approval to Bayfront Market House after heated debate

Developers and Erie Events representatives presented the Bayfront Market House land-development proposal and the Planning Commission approved preliminary plan submission after a lengthy debate over parking, location and access.

The project team, represented by Gus Fine of Erie Events and construction manager Steve Morbius, said the site is currently a gravel parking area created by prior roadway work and that the development would convert that functional space to an activated market house and supporting parking. Fine said steel for the project arrived on-site the day of the meeting and that the team plans a September construction start if final approvals are received.

Commissioners questioned whether the site best serves neighborhood residents, especially people without cars, and whether the market house would primarily attract tourists and suburban visitors rather than adjacent neighborhoods. One commissioner said, “Forty percent of our city’s population doesn’t have access to a vehicle,” and argued the chosen location reinforces existing north–south connectivity problems on the Bayfront. Another commissioner accused the project of locking in retaining walls and infrastructure that could impede future access between the bluff and waterfront.

Developers responded that the project will create improved north–south connections and that PennDOT work, including a planned bridge associated with the project, will aid access. Fine said the market is intended to serve both residents and tourists. He also told the commission the team has discussed labor availability with local unions and does not anticipate staffing shortages.

Procedurally the commission initially moved the item to a second reading for a final vote, with one commissioner recorded in opposition to that motion. Commissioners later rescinded the procedural wording and voted to approve the project’s preliminary plan submission so that the applicant may submit a final plan and engineering materials for staff review. Assistant planner Cooper Moore said the city has not yet received a final plan submission; approval at this meeting was for preliminary review only.

The developers indicated they expect the application to come back for a final reading on Aug. 18. If the council and required city reviews grant final approval, the team plans an approximate 18‑month construction window that could extend the opening into 2028 depending on weather and supply-chain conditions.

The commission’s action preserves further engineering review and a final vote; it does not authorize construction. The applicant must submit a final plan for staff and engineering approval before the project can proceed to a final reading.

The commission closed the item and moved on to subsequent agenda items.