Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As construction continues for a Seneca One Stop in Buffalo's Old First Ward, one business owner caught by surprise says he has questions for the Seneca Nation.
Justin Hartman of Hartman's Distilling says he found out about the project when he saw construction crews at work on Thursday. "We saw bulldozers and backhoes ripping up the lot across the street," says Hartman.
Hartman says he's been taking a step back when it comes to speaking up on the project. "I've been trying to not speak out of turn and wait for my opinion after we have a little bit more information. However, I'm not sure that that's going to happen. I guess I do know that our councilmember Mitch Nowakowski did the right thing and set up two meetings previously with the Seneca Nation, and they failed to show up to both. No call, no showed to both. So I'm skeptical if this one's actually going to happen." says Hartman. He notes a meeting this Thursday was set up by Congressman Tim Kennedy's office.
Hartman has a few questions on the project. "What's the traffic pattern going to be like? Where are you expecting? I think they said something about a truck stop. We're expecting the trucks to enter and exit from, given that Ohio Street's already been deemed a non-trucking route, Chicago Street's not rated for trucks, and Miami Street is privately owned by Ellicott Development, and they've already closed it down. Where do they plan on having all these vehicles come in and out? What are they going to do regarding the noise pollution, fumes. Are they going to put up burns or something to at least ease that that concern? I don't know, and we're hoping to get some kind of clarity, and hopefully they change their position from 'it's sovereign land, we can do whatever we want, we don't have to tell anybody,' to working with the neighbors and the neighborhood," Hartman says.
Hartman is hoping for transparency.
When asked Tuesday, Mayor Ryan says a truck stop may not be the right fit. "An area where there are parks, breweries, new apartments, restaurants, so a truck stop is not what you think of that would be additive to the area," says Ryan. He says he wants to sit down with the Senecas to discuss opportunities beside a truck stop in the area.
