BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Buffalo's Old First Ward is getting a new neighbor and few are happy with it.
The Seneca Nation of Indians is developing a gas station/truck stop/dispensary on a sovereign vacant parcel at Miami and Ohio streets.
Crews began site preparation this week, with the new business set to open by early 2027.
The site is just a few blocks south of another Seneca-operated gas station on Michigan Avenue and the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
Because the project sits on sovereign territory, the Seneca Nation needed now City of Buffalo permits or approvals.
"We couldn't review the project," said Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski, whose district includes that parcel. "We have no control over the functionality of what's being built there."
Nowakowski said he reached out to JC Seneca, Seneca Nation of Indians president, but hasn't received a response.
JC Seneca, in an emailed statement, confirmed the project.
"The Seneca Nation is proud to be making another investment in the City of Buffalo to continue the economic growth and momentum taking place along the Ohio Street corridor and surrounding area," Seneca said in his statement. "The success of our Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino and our existing Seneca One Stop have been pillars of that growth."
The One Stop will be similar to one developed by the Senecas in Niagara Falls that neighbors the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
Michael Santello, co-owner of Mammoth cannabis dispensary just across from the construction site is concerned on many levels.
Santello said he has environmental concerns about idling trucks and cars and also concerned about the dispensary.
"It could under cut our business," Santello said.
Santello said he took an informal poll of nearby business owners. None supported the One Stop project.
"No one is in favor of it," Santello said.
Nowakowski said the project flies in the face of other projects in the immediate Old First Ward neighborhood including Resurgence Brewery, Hartman's Distillary, the Tewksbury Lodge and several apartment buildings.
"This can't be the best use for that parcel," Nowakowski said.
Seneca Nation of Indians building a gas and truck stop along with a dispensary on Miami Street
Seneca Nation of Indians building a gas and truck stop along with a dispensary on Miami Street
