Erie City Council Meeting: Market House Project Revote and Approval - June 10, 2026

On June 10, 2026, the Erie City Council held a meeting to reconsider the proposed Bayfront Market House project after a prior denial on May 20, 2026. The meeting included a presentation from Erie Events, public comment, and a final vote to approve the project with conditions. The council voted 7-0 to rescind the previous denial and 7-0 to approve the waterfront conditional use.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mark Janarette (Visit Erie) expressed full support for the Market House, highlighting its potential to enhance tourism, which generates $1.1 billion annually and supports over 13,000 jobs in Erie County.
• Brent Bricker (Lawrence Park resident) spoke in favor of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the construction, citing benefits such as a skilled workforce, local economic investment, and workforce development for apprentices.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters representative expressed support for the project, emphasizing job creation, pensions, healthcare, and community wealth.
• Brandon Mendoza (Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership) offered strong support, calling the project a critical investment in economic revitalization, job creation, and tourism, and noted that the project creates public value through public resources.
• Savannah Wilson (Erie resident) spoke against the project, criticizing the design as "hideous" and not representative of Erie's culture. She raised concerns about accessibility, lack of community input, environmental issues (algae blooms, bird feces), and the need for more entertainment and arts. She urged the council to think bigger and involve young people and artists.
• Dan Dahlkemper (Erie resident, former Design Review Committee member) spoke in favor, noting that the project meets the requirements of Bayfront Conditional Zoning and that the committee recommended it with changes. He emphasized that the vote should be on whether it meets zoning, not on aesthetics.
• Curtis Jones (Erie Regional Chamber) spoke in favor, calling the project a catalytic investment that will drive private investment, year-round tourism, and job creation. He highlighted the $9.5 million RCAP investment and the pedestrian bridge as key benefits.
• Cole Shenley (Erie resident) asked the council to vote for the project, but expressed that it is not transformational. He urged the council to change the waterfront conditional use rules and focus on broader issues like social housing.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Erie Events: Gus Pine (Executive Director) and Megan Loney (Architect) provided updated renderings and clarified misconceptions. Key points: the project is not tax-exempt (taxes passed to tenants), the location is the southernmost parking lot of the convention center (not the former GAF property), and the pedestrian overpass at Sassafras roundabout depends on the project. The design includes red brick, wood-look cladding, and bird-safe UV film on windows. The interior will feature a public market, cooking classroom, and restaurant.
• Council Questions: Council members asked about pedestrian bridge maintenance, types of businesses in the market, and accessibility. Erie Events confirmed they will maintain the bridge and elevator 24/7, and the market will emphasize local products with seasonal outdoor markets.
• Council Member Statements:
  • Councilmember Brzezinski praised the improved presentation and urged better communication. He expressed support for the project, noting his union background and commitment to workers and marginalized communities. He also criticized the previous lack of information.
  • Councilmember Horton expressed frustration with the process but supported the project after receiving more information.
  • Councilmember Shaw thanked participants and suggested an "adopt-a-park" program for new parks.
  • Councilmember Flores noted an upcoming study session on parks and recreation.
  • Councilmember Troop called for teamwork and winning together, and urged inclusion of original local artists in entertainment.
  • Councilmember Poll appreciated the additional information and felt better about voting for the project.
  • Council President Titus emphasized the importance of public information and decorum.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Rescind Previous Vote: Resolution to rescind the May 20, 2026 denial of the waterfront conditional use was passed unanimously (7-0).
• Approval of Waterfront Conditional Use: Resolution approving the Market House project with conditions was passed unanimously (7-0). Conditions include maintaining open space with green space, bird-safe measures, public benches, and compliance with zoning for signage.
• Mayor's Announcement: Mayor Devlin announced a public planning process for the waterfront, starting with a session on June 25, 2026, to gather community input on future development.
• Next Steps: The project moves forward with the approved conditional use, pending further design and permitting.