logo
Erie Zoo asks city to transfer 106 acre property to Erie Events

Erie Zoo asks city to transfer 106 acre property to Erie Events

Yahoo06-05-2025

Conversations continue to escalate surrounding the potential transfer of ownership of the Erie Zoo, which has been owned by the City of Erie since 1964.
But before city officials agree to turn things over to Erie Events, the authority looking to help finance and manage the zoo, they've had to have some difficult discussions.
The Erie Zoo lost AZA accreditation in 2021, citing insufficient funding as well as a lack of modern exhibits. Since then, the zoo has been working to earn it back.
Part of their latest plan to get back on track is through a partnership with Erie Events, which they said would allow them to expand and evolve into a new era.
Earn+Learn program, formally Summer Jams, makes return to Erie in coming weeks
'We initially had conversations with the zoo back in January of 2024, so it's now been, gosh, going on a year and a half now, and the financial situation for the zoo is only getting worse, I would say,' said Gus Pine, executive director of Erie Events.
The accreditation process requires the zoo to have a certain level of trained staff in relation to the care and medical needs of the animals.
Pine said that it's been a struggle for the zoo's current salary capabilities.
The plan also calls for the construction of a brand new vet hospital, which would serve not just zoo animals, but the pets of local people as well.
Blind Tiger receives investment of nearly $200K thanks to PA program
And yet, conversations have stalled between the city government, the zoo and Erie Events. Why is that?
'The request right now from Erie Events and the zoo is for the city to transfer 106 acres of property completely at no charge,' said City of Erie Solicitor Edward Betza.
That 106-acre request came as a shock to the city, as it includes the adjacent golf course, ice arena, picnic area, horseshoe pits and land near Marsh Street.
Under a land transfer like this, the city has no guarantees in terms of the future use of the property.
And it's not taken lightly by the city government, which is looking for more assurances of a new financial plan for the space now and in the future.
'I firmly believe that the zoo is a regional asset, and because it is, it doesn't belong to the city; it belongs to the people of the city,' said Ed Brzezinski, an Erie City Council member.
'There are questions and concerns from the administration and council end. We need to make sure that those questions get answered, but that's not going to happen if we're not convening,' said Tyler Titus, another Erie City Council member.
Everyone involved wants the zoo to succeed, and with all of the pieces aligned, it's a matter of things falling into place.
'The zoo does need to grow. Now, where the zoo grows its footprint in terms of animal enclosures has yet to be identified,' said Pine. 'It's gotta be done with a keen eye on how that land is currently used.'
UPMC Children's Hospital expands, pediatric specialty care center opens on Peach Street
'Whatever we do, we have to make sure that this is successful. We have asked the zoo and Erie Events for long-range planning financially, and what are they going to do with the property,' said Betza.
We were unable to interview zoo representatives on the situation on Tuesday.
However, Titus said the zoo will have to start making tough decisions internally if conversations don't move forward.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jamie Dimon Says Wells Fargo's Asset Cap Was ‘Grossly Unfair'
Jamie Dimon Says Wells Fargo's Asset Cap Was ‘Grossly Unfair'

Bloomberg

time41 minutes ago

  • Bloomberg

Jamie Dimon Says Wells Fargo's Asset Cap Was ‘Grossly Unfair'

Wells Fargo & Co. 's Federal Reserve-imposed asset cap that restricted its size for more than seven years was 'grossly unfair,' said Jamie Dimon, longtime boss of its biggest rival. 'They went through a long, arduous road to get out of that thing,' JPMorgan Chase & Co. 's chief executive officer said at a conference Tuesday. 'Punishment should fit the crime, not be something you don't understand at all.'

Sacramento Railyards soccer stadium plan faces key city council vote
Sacramento Railyards soccer stadium plan faces key city council vote

CBS News

time42 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Sacramento Railyards soccer stadium plan faces key city council vote

A key Sacramento city council vote deciding the future of Republic FC's new soccer stadium is set for Tuesday. Plans for Republic FC's new home, an expandable 12,000-seat facility, can't come to life without figuring out how to cover infrastructure in the area – things like roadways, pedestrian bike lanes, and traffic lights that the city estimates will to cost north of $90 million. Tuesday's vote will be to approve a special tax district that the city is looking to use to cover the cost. "I think this one is a good investment. We're not investing, subsidizing the stadium," said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty. The Railyards development will cost an estimated $321 million at least, according to city numbers, with most of it privately funded, like Republic FC's stadium and the area around it. Developers of the project – including Indomitable Ventures, formed by Republic FC – would pay for the infrastructure costs up front, then be reimbursed through funds generated by the special tax district. "We're subsidizing the infrastructure by giving a return on property taxes that but for this project wouldn't be generated anyways," McCarty said. If approved by the council, the deal would commit the city to paying more than $90 million to the project developers in the form of future tax revenue from the soccer stadium and central shops. McCarty says construction would start this year if the plan passes. The stadium is planned to be opened by 2027.

Affordable housing community opens in Commerce City to those Coloradans who qualify
Affordable housing community opens in Commerce City to those Coloradans who qualify

CBS News

time42 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Affordable housing community opens in Commerce City to those Coloradans who qualify

A new affordable housing complex opened in the Denver metro area on Monday. The South Platte Crossing Apartments are located in Commerce City and have 60 units. The South Platte Crossing Apartments are designated as an affordable housing option. CBS They are designed to help those who make less than the median income in Colorado. Low-income families can qualify for a studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartment. Residents will have access to resources like children's medical care, the DMV and behavioral health services. An RTD station is also close by. The ribbon cutting at The South Platte Crossing Apartments. CBS "The opportunity of being on bus lines, on rail lines, really opens a lot of doors for getting to services, to getting to friends and family, to getting to jobs," said Sarah Harman with the Urban Land Conservancy. The complex also features a community kitchen, fitness center and outdoor playground. The South Platte Crossing Apartments in Commerce City. CBS

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store