BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — What's going on with the juicy plan to create a giant hamburger in the Town of Hamburg? Let's ketchup.
The group behind the Hamburger Water Tower Project is still trying to get the initiative onto the grill. The hope is to raise around a million dollars to both restore and paint the old water tower in Hamburg to look like a hamburger. Fundraising for the project formally started a couple of years ago but the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be a setback.
"We have a ways to go", says Chris Hannotte, the Chair of the Hamburger Water Tower Project Board. "It's been a challenging time for many non profits. Unfortunately we canceled our fall fundraiser because we can't have large gatherings. The tourism grant we planned to apply for is on hold indefinitely."
Hannotte believes the new Hamburger Water Tower would become a tourist attraction and provide a boost to the local economy if the project is able to be completed. "This is my effort to make not just Buffalo but Western New York better through this economic development opportunity for tourism. I firmly believe. If we paint it. They will come"
Hannotte says the board is looking for local corporate sponsors to support the project and is also calling on the community to help make the giant hamburger a reality. Those interested in more information or who looking for a place to donate can find the project on Facebook.
"What's Going on With . . ." is a WKBW series focused on WNY development. Is there a project in your community that you would like to update or get more information about? Email 7 Eyewitness News Anchor Jeff Russo at jeff.russo@wkbw.com.
