Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - If Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns had his druthers, the Northtowns Auto Bureau would re-locate to a recently vacated Rite Aid.
However, Erie County Legislators say they have lots of questions about the potential move.
Thus, for the past six weeks a political tug-of-war is being played in Erie County Hall pitting Kearns against the lawmakers over what had many assumed would have minor footnote in this year's legislative session.
The key issue comes down to two factors:
* The annual rent payments
* Is there enough parking?
THE COST:
"It is very plan to see, this doesn't make sense," said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi Jr., who district covers both the current and proposed sites for the Northtowns bureau.
At its current location, as one of the anchor tenants in the Sheridan-Eggert Plaza, Erie County pays $22.16 per square-foot while the former Rite Aid sie at the corner of Sheridan Drive and Colvin Boulevard, the auto bureau would be paying $43.79 per square-foot under the terms of a five-year lease being offered by Ellicott Development Co.
That deal would increase the auto bureau's annual rent by nearly $348,0000, Bargnesi said.
Kearns did say that Ellicott pledged to reduce the rate, after five years, to approximately $29 per square foot if the county signed a five-year extension.
"This is an opportunity for us to grow and bring in more revenue," Kearns said.
PARKING:
Kearns said, on average the Sheridan-Eggert Plaza bureau, brings in 100,000 people annually to do anything from renewing driver's licenses to obtaining license plates.
But, at 7,200-square-foot, the plaza site has become too small for the customer traffic it generates.
"It is just too tight," Kearns told lawmakers on April 23.
The Rite Aid site has 11,000-square-feet and a drive thru window. This would be the first county-run auto bureau in New York with a drive-thru window.
Bargnesi feels the plaza site offers ample parking options while the Rite Aid location could lead to traffic tie-ups and other issues.
"This is the wrong location and it will only create long term problems," Bargnesi said.
LEASE:
The catch in all this is that the auto bureau's lease at the Sheridan-Eggert Plaza expires on Dec. 31.
Ellicott Development was one of two bids submitted, with the other rejected because the location was too close the Eastern Hills Mall auto bureau site.
Michael Cecchini, Erie County deputy clerk for media and communications, said legally the clerk's office is tied in the bid.
"To vary from the RFP would put the county at jeopardy (of a possible lawsuit)," Cecchini said. "We are tied to the Rite Aid site because of the RFP process."
Barngesi said he talked to the plaza's Rochester-based owner and they offered to extend the lease with a $25.48 per square-foot package.
"I just can't believe we are not staying put,:"Bargnesi said.
Cecchini said the issue has been discussed and debated for more than one month and meanwhile the clerk's office needs a final decision.
"Let's put this to a vote (by the legislature)," Cecchini said. "If it is voted down, we can always go to 'Plan B'."
The former Rite Aid at Sheridan and Colvin is being eyed as a new DMV site
The former Rite Aid at Sheridan and Colvin is being eyed as a new DMV site
