Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Nov. 10 vote by the Amherst Town Board to move forward with Benderson Development's mixed-use, town center-like plan for the aging and largely vacant retail complex was the first of many legal steps that need to be addressed.
But while the myriad of legal issues are addressed - and eventually settled - Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa says he hopes two key matters can be handled sooner rather than later.
That includes turning the vacant former BAC Building into a community center, and securing housing development plans for more than 13 acres within the 64-acre Boulevard Mall footprint.
"We are setting up the ground work," Kulpa said.
Even working a fast track time frame, chances are neither the BAC Building conversion or finding residential developers will take place before Kulpa leaves office on Dec. 31.
In all likelihood, both will be addressed by early spring.
Shawn Lavin, Amherst Councilman and Supervisor-elect, says he is OK with that time frame.
"Let's face it, there are a lot of moving parts with this," Lavin said.
Kulpa says he hopes the BAC Building, vacant since 2014, can be used by a number of community groups ranging from after-school activities, programing for senior citizens and special events.
"I could see a diversity of uses," Kulpa said.
That is the same development textbook Amherst used to develop satellite community centers on Harlem and Eggert roads.
As for housing options, Kulpa said it is wide-open, meaning it could be market rate apartments, senior apartments, some level of student housing.
The private sector development interests will offer their options once the RFP is issued this spring.
"The developers will speak, by virtue of the RFP, and tell us what they think will work," Kulpa said.
Meanwhile, for the mall property, look for some level of demolition and redevelopment to begin by mid-spring. Benderson is reviewing a number of mixed-use options.
"At least now, we have a path moving forward about the mall's future," Kulpa said.