Amherst, NY (WBEN) Many in Amherst are waiting to see what will happen with the Boulevard Mall site, after it was closed down. Amherst's supervisor says he hopes it won't be much longer.
Supervisor Shawn Lavin says the town is currently working through some of the court system regarding eminent domain." Once that occurs, I think people can start looking forward to demolition, which is exciting," says Lavin. He's hoping for an end to the court battle by the end of the year.
Lavin sys he understands the frustrations residents have. "The Fifth Amendment of our Constitution kind of gives people the right to their their property. It's hard for the town of Amherst just to kind of do eminent domain without a appraisal and conversation regarding value. So people have that right. I respect that right. So it takes longer this process, but I think it's the right process," says Lavin. "I would love to see things expedited. At the same time, we live in a litigious society. It takes courts and our attorneys a long time doesn't mean they don't work hard. At the same time, we have to make sure everything's done properly."
As far as JC Penney, the last retailer at the mall goes, Lavin says that's up to Lavin. "That's a question for Benderson. They're the owners of the parcel, but they've been very fair and open to most of the retail companies that are there. I would say they'd probably find a solution if they asked," says Lavin.
Lavin says Benderson is still tracking to build a dense, walkable part residential, part retail that everybody's been expecting for the last few years.
