The Erie Bayfront 1913 to 1992 The John Nolen Plan versus The Burgess Niple Limited Plan

Abstract

According to recent presidential candidate, H. Ross Perot, there are plans for everything in Washington; they are just never implemented. The same could be said for the Erie Bayfront. The two most notable plans to date have been the John Nolen plan (1913) and the Burgess Niple, Limited plan (1988). The later plan is the basis for another plan submitted by the Bayfront Access and Beautification Organization (BABO). The two plans have remarkably similar goals but use different means to gain the desired end. John Nolen developed a plan for the entire city of Erie - from government and school organization to the exact width of streets and smog control. It would be an understatement to say that it was an elaborate plan. The Burges Niple, Limited plan concentrates specifically and in great detail on the Bayfront itself. This plan is more focused on recreation, while the Nolen Plan looked at ways to integrate commerce and recreation on the Bayfront in conjunction with the rest of the city. Where are the similarities and differences? Why wasn’t the Nolen plan seen to fruition? Will the current plan be implemented? An analysis of each of the plans will hopefully reap some answers. This study barely scratches the surface of the great detail and care that went into both of these plans. The following are abbreviated overviews of the key points of each.