Black Rock Waterfront

The Black Rock waterfront will be transformed into a vibrant, accessible, and historically rich destination along the Niagara River, reclaiming its potential as a community and regional asset. By removing the I-190 interstate, creating a vast waterfront parkspace, and reconstructing the historic street grid with preserved wharf structures, Black Rock will become a model of urban revitalization that celebrates its maritime heritage, enhances public access, and fosters sustainable community development.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Remove I-190 and Reconstruct Along Military Road: Relocate the I-190 interstate from the Niagara River to the Military Road railroad right-of-way to free up waterfront land and improve connectivity.
  2. Create a Vast Waterfront Parkspace: Develop an expansive park atop the former I-190 corridor, offering recreational amenities and public access to the Niagara River.
  3. Reconstruct the Historic Street Grid: Restore the historic street grid between Niagara Street and the Niagara River, integrating preserved wharf structures to honor Black Rock’s maritime legacy.

Key Strategies

1. Remove I-190 and Reconstruct Along Military Road

  • Interstate Relocation: Relocate I-190 to the Military Road railroad right-of-way, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize disruption and reduce construction costs, with completion targeted for 2032.
  • Environmental Remediation: Remediate contaminated soils from the former I-190 corridor to ensure safe redevelopment, prioritizing eco-friendly methods and community safety.
  • Traffic Management Plan: Implement interim traffic solutions, such as enhanced public transit and temporary road improvements, to maintain connectivity during relocation.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with the New York State Department of Transportation, local municipalities, and community groups to ensure alignment on relocation plans and community benefits.

2. Create a Vast Waterfront Parkspace

  • Park Development: Transform the 50-acre former I-190 corridor into a continuous waterfront park, featuring green spaces, recreational amenities, and public access points along the Niagara River.
  • Recreational Amenities: Include features such as walking trails, bike paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and kayak launches to promote active lifestyles and year-round engagement.
  • Cultural and Historical Elements: Incorporate interpretive signage, public art, and restored maritime artifacts to celebrate Black Rock’s history as a historic port and shipbuilding hub.
  • Green Infrastructure: Integrate rain gardens, native plantings, and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, and support climate resilience.

3. Reconstruct the Historic Street Grid with Wharf Preservation

  • Historic Grid Restoration: Rebuild the pre-I-190 street grid between Niagara Street and the Niagara River, using historic maps to guide the layout and ensure authenticity.
  • Wharf Preservation: Restore and adapt existing wharf structures for modern use, such as waterfront cafes, cultural venues, or public gathering spaces, preserving their historical integrity.
  • Mixed-Use Integration: Encourage mixed-use development along the restored grid, including residential lofts, small-scale retail, and artisan workshops, to create a vibrant neighborhood.
  • Pedestrian and Bike Connectivity: Design the street grid with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly crossings to connect the waterfront park to Niagara Street and regional trails like the Niagara River Greenway.

Implementation Plan

  • Short-Term (1-2 Years):
    • Complete a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment for I-190 relocation along Military Road.
    • Develop a master plan for the 50-acre waterfront park, incorporating community input and stakeholder feedback.
    • Begin restoration of one historic wharf structure as a pilot project, such as a public pavilion or cultural space.
    • Reconstruct one block of the historic street grid, including pedestrian and bike infrastructure.
  • Medium-Term (3-5 Years):
    • Begin I-190 relocation construction, completing 50% of the project, including new alignments along Military Road.
    • Develop 25 acres of the waterfront park, including two public access points and core amenities like trails and picnic areas.
    • Restore three additional wharf structures and complete 50% of the historic street grid, supporting 200 residential units and 10,000 square feet of commercial space.
    • Host 10 community events in the new parkspace to drive engagement and test programming.
  • Long-Term (5-10 Years):
    • Complete I-190 relocation and fully remediate the former corridor by 2032.
    • Finish the 50-acre waterfront park, achieving 500,000 annual visitors and seamless integration with regional trails.
    • Complete the historic street grid, supporting 1,000 residential units and 50,000 square feet of commercial space, with all wharf structures preserved and repurposed.
    • Position Black Rock as a top 10 North American waterfront destination by 2035.

Metrics for Success

  • Infrastructure Transformation: Complete I-190 relocation by 2032, with zero net increase in regional traffic congestion.
  • Park Access: Ensure 90% of Black Rock residents live within a 10-minute walk of the waterfront park by 2035.
  • Economic Impact: Attract $150 million in private investment for mixed-use development along the restored street grid by 2035.
  • Historical Preservation: Preserve and repurpose 100% of viable wharf structures, with 75% integrated into public or commercial use by 2035.

Conclusion

The Black Rock Waterfront Revitalization Strategy will reclaim the Niagara River as a community asset, creating a vibrant parkspace, restoring historic urban fabric, and celebrating the area’s maritime legacy. By removing I-190, developing a vast waterfront park, and reconstructing the historic street grid with preserved wharves, Black Rock will emerge as a dynamic, sustainable, and culturally rich destination, setting a global standard for waterfront redevelopment.