Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Heritage Point project at Canalside in Downtown Buffalo remains stalled at the moment. One city councilmember says he's optimistic the developer will come up with the needed funding to move the project forward again.
"This project is at a standstill," said Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski in an interview with WBEN. "I certainly understand everybody's anger and frustration with it being stalled, because I share the same [feelings]."
However, Nowakowski has been in conversations with the developer and the state, and they all have one joint thing in common: That's getting this project done.
Sinatra Development owns the land, and is working with the state to build a mixed-use facility.
"I know that the developer has stated they're in a financing gap, and they're looking for a loan to complete the project," Nowakowski said.
According to Nowakowski, Sinatra has been looking for additional funding from the state, as well as a loan.
"I'm in favor of getting the project done. So if the developer needs a loan in the state is amenable to that, I certainly would be supportive, because we are costing taxpayers more by just looking at blight and an empty project not being done," Nowakowski said.
As far as fining and replacing Sinatra, Nowakowski says it's too late for that.
"I have a feeling that the hay is already in the barn, and we're already pretty far down the line with this project," Nowakowski explained.
Even though it looks like a shell, Nowakowski says the developer believes it to be 40% done, and they need to finish the build out in the rest of the building that's not altered from the original plans.
Nowakowski believes in the next few weeks, he'll hear from Sinatra that they've secured the resources they need to complete the project, and to make sure work is a go for construction season.
A call to Sinatra Development was not returned.