The rich past, present, and future of the Historic East Bayfront

The Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST) is the first non-profit in Erie that focused on the revitalization of a single neighborhood—Erie’s historic East Bayfront, the place where Erie was founded over 200 years ago.  From its beginning, the makeup of BEST has been a primary strength. Hamot and Erie Insurance are anchor businesses in the East Bayfront community and representatives of both organizations serve central roles in BEST’s governance. Community members and representatives of local businesses and the East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch come together with Hamot and Erie Insurance on the BEST Board of Directors to ensure diverse viewpoints and interests form BEST’s common vision.

History

BEST was originally established in 1978 in advance of plans by Hamot Medical Center and Erie Insurance Group to expand their facilities. BEST coordinated the restoration of the historic Federal Row House block, the construction of new town houses and the removal of blighted properties in adjacent blocks. These projects complemented the redevelopment of the French Street commercial corridor from East Third to East Sixth Streets that is a vital part of downtown Erie. Home to shops, restaurants and other businesses, French Street today is an inviting, bustling corridor linking the campuses of Hamot Medical Center and Erie Insurance.

BEST had a quiet period from 1988–1998 following the construction of the new Erie Insurance headquarters, expansion of Hamot Medical Center, and completion of the Federal Row House project.

BEST was recharged in 1998 at the request of the East Bayfront Neighborhood Watch to assist residents in the revitalization of the historic neighborhood. BEST is operated by a full-time executive director who has worked with neighborhood residents and businesses on a variety of issues and projects since October 2000, including home ownership, placemaking, and improving the neighborhood's image. 

Today

For the past fifteen years, BEST has focused on providing safe, quality, affordable rental units throughout the Historic East Bayfront while eliminating blight, creating attractive greenspace, activating lots as pocket parks and gardens, and advocating for the neighborhood.

From sponsoring National Night Out each August to awarding ECGRA Renaissance Block grants that help property owners make attractive and needed exterior repairs, from our AARP Aging in Place initiative to working closely with the Safe Routes Partnership on a Safe Routes to Parks project, BEST actively seeks out ways to make our community better because when the Historic East Bayfront thrives, Erie, its downtown core, the city, and its people thrive. 

With the integral help of our donors, partners, and volunteers, B.E.S.T. has collectively joined forces with the community to create the best place to live, work, and play in Erie.

Video credit: Jackie George and LoneSav