Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - With a new development future in place, concerns that the largely vacant and desolate Boulevard Mall would sit in its present - or worse - shape has been alleviated.
The first sign: When Benderson confirmed this fall what had been one of the worst-kept development secrets that it was buying the 64-acre complex from developer Douglas Jemal for $15 million.
The newest sign: Benderson and the Amherst Town Board, on Nov. 10, are expected to approve a pact that will allow the developer to move forward with its plans to revive the Boulevard Mall property. That is the first of several legal and municipal agreements needed to advance the project.
"Don't under estimate what that means," said Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa.
Until Benderson confirmed it was buying the sprawling, Niagara Falls Boulevard complex, many feared it would be Station Twelve V2.0 - the long stalled redevelopment plans for the former Northtown Plaza on Sheridan Drive.
A.J. Baynes, Amherst Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said once Benderson starts some demolition and site prep work this spring, it will be a major psychological and economic boost for Amherst.
"People will be watching," Baynes said.
The fate and future of the Boulevard Mall was one of several key economic development albatross' in Amherst - joining the ranks of the oft-delayed Station Twelve retail center and the former Westwood Country Club property.
Station Twelve's developers, WS Development, this fall announced several new retailers coming to the plaza and some work has started on the site.
Erie County is taking over the Westwood property and turning it into Willowdale Park.
"These things matter," Baynes said.
Benderson, according to Kulpa, is Amherst's largest, private sector property owner.
Once it officially acquires the Boulevard Mall from Jemal, Benderson will virtually own or control every commercial and retail property between the mall and heading north to almost the I-290 (Youngmann Highway) - and it has significant holdings elsewhere in Amherst including developments on Main Street and Transit Road.
For many years, the nearly 1 million-square-foot Boulevard Mall was the region's largest shopping center. It was also the first enclosed shopping center to be developed in Erie County when it opened in 1962.
"It was the retailing apex for years," Kulpa said.
Preliminary development plans will see Benderson bringing a mix to the mall property including retail, housing, a community center and even a small pocket park.