Target 24: What the Future Holds for the Bay Front

    NOVEMBER 13, 2012- They're the hardworking men and women who put it all on the line, working in the rain, snow, sleet and hundred degree temperatures to design and build up this town. 

"All that is not easy.   It's very tough on the body.  A lot of people take it for granted," says John Tretter Business Manager Laborers 603.

    These laborers and architects witnessed a transformation first hand as they built from the ground up.

    Twenty-five years ago, the bay front was undeveloped.

"I can remember vividly walking down the bay front when it was left over industrial property. Mostly unused and pretty scattered," says Dick Fox of Weber Murphy Fox.

    Now, we see the potential for new projects...

Dan Dahlkemper of Dahlkemper Landscape Architects says turning the focus to the waterfront is a key move.

"To turn Erie back to the waterfront from where it came has really been a victory for our area.  And we've been happy to be involved in these types of projects," says Dahlkemper. 

    The GAF site along Erie's bay front is a work in progress, but it is an example of what the future may hold for Erie. And hopefully an opportunity for laborers in the area.

"We had a lot of work which we don't have anymore.  Erie's going through a major transition and jobs aren't here like they used to be," says Timothy Pietrasiewicz of

Laborers Local 603.

    The GAF site will soon offer retail, dining and living putting Erie tourism on the map.