Who We Are

The Our Outer Harbor Coalition (OOH) is a group of organizations and individuals concerned about the appropriate development of Buffalo's Outer Harbor.  We consider this area to be one of Buffalo's, and the Niagara Region's most important assets. The OOH Coalition was formed in 2016 after the State of New York, under the leadership of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) announced plans to build a new community, including blocks of private condos, at the Outer Harbor. Our actions involved protest and resistance, community organizing and citizen engagement. Today we are pleased to say that we are moving ahead with the State of New York, the ECHDC, and concerned citizens and organizations, to characterize appropriate development of this incredible resource.  Our advocasy issues include: Keeping public lands and waters public; protecting the environment and fragile habitats of the area, historic preservation, advocating for passive recreation; and creating on the ground policies that focus on climate resiliency.

We continue to meet our objectives to make sure that community and citizen interests are represented during decision making.
Our Outer Harbor Coalition
PRINCIPLES
Adopted unanimously by the Coalition 10/4/2017Proposed projects, plans and policies for Buffalo’s Outer harbor should be consistent with the following:

  1. Retain public ownership of public lands
  2. Be truly public—not exclusive of some publics
  3. Be water based or water dependent
  4. Protect and restore natural environments and habitats
  5. Avoid sprawl (not divert resources from the City proper)
  6. Be consistent with City policies including Green Code, Comprehensive Plan and LWRP
  7. Promote health, physical activity, access to the natural world
  8. Be based on a transparent and democratic process
  9. Be sustainable, based on conserving our natural and cultural heritage
  10. Be climate smart, based on a clear assessment of risk and resilience factors in the Outer Harbor.

Our Outer Harbor Partners

Western New York Trout Unlimited