West Bayfront District

Facts About the West Bayfront

Our West Bayfront district is a dense residential community with pockets of neighborhood commercial uses and public parks. The east side of the district abuts Downtown Erie including the campuses of Gannon University and UPMC Hamot offices, while the southern edge has industrial/commercial focus (the West 12th Street Industrial Corridor), and an institutional/commercial/office focus on its western edge.

The West Bayfront district represents a significant land area, and more importantly, a series of neighborhoods – each with their own history, residents, and identity. These neighborhoods are shaped by their location and proximity to assets, whether those be the waterfront, beautiful views, public parks, or significant streets and corridors.

• Area: 843 acres
• Population: 13,000 +/- (2010 census)
• Number of structures – 4,459
• Miles of roadway – 31.5 miles
• Waterfront views and promenades
• Public parks and gathering spaces
• Historic buildings
• Schools and campuses
• Proximity to Central Business district and Waterfront
• Easy access via Bayfront Connector to Route I-79

Strategy for Our West Bayfront District

Residential

• A range of residential initiatives is required to help boost the existing housing stock that forms the foundation of this area. These include addressing blighted and vacant homes, supporting renovation and preservation initiatives, and identifying opportunities for new infill construction

Parks and Public Spaces

• This can include the provision of new and upgraded facilities as well as the development of recreation-based programming for all ages in the community

Infrastructure

• This includes the consideration of upgrades to sidewalks and spaces for pedestrian movement, the provision of facilities for bicycles and transit users, and changes to roadway and traffic patterns to improve how people within and outside of the community experience its neighborhoods, parks, and businesses

Social / Programming

• Neighborhood service strategies will focus on unmet needs within the neighborhood. These can be physical or programmatic in nature and have the potential to incorporate a wide range of community needs. The ability to group multiple services in a specific area or building can support more efficient use of resources

Local Business

• The creation of a commercial corridor where investment can be focused, as well as programs to support small businesses (storefront programs, small business loans, etc.), can help the neighborhood to be a more complete and supportive place

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