November 2016 Column - Southtowns offer unique tourism attractions

The southtowns’ tourism efforts continue to grow, especially this time of year when many are traveling to see the fall foliage. Canalside and Niagara Falls are great of course, but southern Erie County has a lot of unique features I hope you and any visitors you host will take advantage of.

 

The popular Western New York Southtowns Scenic Byway continues to expand and has developed into a great roadmap for visiting not only Erie County but now our neighbors to the south in Cattaraugus County. The Byway leads travelers into many of the quaint, historic towns that formed our region, highlighting sites of historical significance, local businesses and natural wonders. Complete information on the Byway can be found at http://wnyssb.org.

 

At the end of last month, my office participated in an event to promote the WNY Regional Railway Corridor Project. The purpose of the project is to create a collaborative approach to preserve the Buffalo to Jamestown rail corridor. This initiative will provide all communities along the corridor the benefits of the economic impact from the railway, particularly as a result of increased tourism. As a regional tourism initiative the project’s intent is to unite communities within the corridor to save the area’s railway from abandonment and to preserve the Buffalo to Jamestown corridor for future railway development. Community leaders from all levels of government, met with municipal planning professionals and state and regional economic development representatives to discuss the vision of a regional railway network that would link Buffalo’s Canalside waterfront to Jamestown and communities in-between. Eventually this service could be expanded on existing rail links to Niagara Falls and Pittsburgh.

 

Currently there is freight rail service provided by local operators including the Buffalo Southern Railway and the New York & Lake Erie Railroad with service to Buffalo, Lackawanna, Hamburg, Jamestown, Olean and Meadville. Service then connects to the Norfolk Southern mainline. Passenger service currently is limited to tourist charters and scenic train rides.  

 

In a different kind of railway news, The Springville Pop Warner Rail Trail officially opened in early October and this first phase is approximately 2 miles long. The trail head is at West Main Street, across from the railroad depot in Springville. The trail was built on the former Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail corridor and provides a multi-use recreational path for residents and families. This is a great addition to the village. The county is also continues to work on the Shoreline Trail that will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in Evans while connecting beaches and parks.

These are just a few of the great attractions in the southtowns. In the past I have commented on the fishing opportunities, hiking and parks, local businesses and of course agritourism, which is very important to southern Erie County.

 

As always, if you ever have a question about a county matter, please contact my office at 858-8850 or email john.mills@erie.gov