Provides for the corporation to do studies in targeted areas of Buffalo as part of a retail revitalization program

Summary of provisions

The "Retail Redevelopment Commission" shall establish a pilot program, whose primary responsibility shall be to produce a study of the possible retail industries that would benefit residents and visitors to Buffalo. This pilot program study shall be conducted within the city of Buffalo and include a comprehensive market analysis study.

The commission shall report on current and projected trends in retail for the city, develop initiatives, programs and policies for the development and growth of retail businesses in Buffalo, as a model for other cities in the state. The study would require that the results be presented in a report to the legislature of its conclusions and recommendations, including legislative proposals necessary to implement the suggested programs, not later than July 1, 2014 and a final report on or before January 1, 2015.

Justification

With high rates of joblessness, homelessness, poverty and crime; many Buffalo residents struggle, as evidenced in the 2000 Census. The per capita income in the City of Buffalo is $14,991. This number is well below the national per capita income of $21,587. Twenty six percent of residents in the City of Buffalo live beneath the poverty level, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, unemployment is on the rise at 10.4%, as reported by the New York State Department of Labor in December of 2003. Facing these grim statistics, Buffalo still has many advantages and is strategically oriented to build on its assets.

For much of its history, Buffalo's economy has been dominated by manufacturing, and when the jobs moved, so did the people. Over the past several decades, and especially today, the economic climate is changing. As manufacturing employment continues to decline, the growth of the area's 'a new economy,' defined by information technology, cross-sector partnerships, urban reinvestment and changing demographics, has begun soar.

As a city rich with culture and history, record commercial development In downtown Buffalo, a resurgence in downtown living, and serving as a Gate way to one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Buffalo is at the cusp of a new era. With a new master plan for our schools, the newly designed award-winning airport, and innovative efforts to bring Buffalo and the region's economy to a new level, Buffalo is poised to attract progressive retail chains to the area. Therefore, it is imperative that the city devise a comprehensive strategy to rebuild its suffering retail industry to complement other positive developments. The retail industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy, providing over 15 per cent of all employment and including some of the largest and most admired companies worldwide. Retailing deals with a large variety of products - ranging from physical products, such as packaged goods, to intangible products, such as financial services or travel. The importance of retailing for consumers does not need much explanation: most people deal as consumers with retailers almost every day and for many people shopping plays an important part in their lives.

Through this Retail Redevelopment Commission, Buffalo becomes a strong, urban epicenter - as it once was in its hey day -- where citizens of the city and the surrounding region can live, work, entertain and have access to a progressive and diverse retail industry.

Legislative history

2011-12: S.6933/A.976 Referred to Corporations, Authorities and Commissions

Fiscal implications

Compensation may be required for actual and necessary expenses to conduct this study.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and remain in effect until March 31, 2015.