9-10-12: Courtesy of YNN. Buffalo’s picturesque Black Rock Canal Park is ridden with vandalism, but that’s something that Erie County officials are hoping to change. Located right off the 190, the former Ontario Street Boat Launch has fallen into disrepair. That prompted Erie County to team up with the City of Buffalo, New York State and several other departments to give it a facelift which is estimated to cost between $16 and $22 million. “If you try to sit there and raise $16 million dollars, it will not happen,” said Margaret Sczepaniec, Black Rock Steering Committee Chair. “But if you do it in increments, you will have success.” Officials broke ground Monday to celebrate the first of eight phases the park will undergo. “The park, which is on one of the most best locations you can find on all of Western New York, right on the Niagara River, is going to be transformed into a jewel of our waterfront system,” Erie County Executive Mark E. Poloncarz said. A building currently at the park will be torn down to make room for a four-story building with a restaurant and office space. Along with earth friendly features, the changes will include green space, trails and a dog park. The initial phase is expected to be completed by Memorial Day next year.

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