Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just two weeks after the group planning to build a new soccer stadium in Buffalo announced they were pulling out of its planned site on Elk and Lee Streets, there's already speculation that a downtown option might be back on the table.
President of Buffalo Pro Soccer, Peter Marlette Jr. says an inability to work through disputes with the neighboring PVS Chemicals facility was the reason for not building on the site of the former Medaille College athletic complex.
The group is currently re-evaluating two previously vetted sites, which includes the former Buffalo News parking lot, just steps from KeyBank Center and Sahlen Field.
The site is currently owned by Douglas Jemal, who has been scaling back on some of his Buffalo projects. There is currently no announced development plan for the Buffalo News site or the adjacent HSBC Atrium, and Jemal has recently pulled out of operation of the Richardson Hotel, stopped a proposed project in Lackawanna, and put the Butler Mansion and Mahoney Office Building back up for sale.
Marlette told WBEN on Thursday he is "absolutely" still interested in the site.
"I don't want to speak for Douglas... you're just stating facts about what's happening right now with his other properties," Mareltte said. "Six months ago when we made the decision to move away from that site, Douglas was understanding and a great partner then, and we've continued those conversations. I love that site. I think it's a phenomenal site.
"When we decided against it in our last round, there were a few things standing in the way that may not be as big an obstacle as they were six months ago."
One of those obstacles is funding.
Marlette told WBEN that significant private investment has closed the funding gap that they would have had if they chose to build at the Buffalo News site. While Marlette previously sought state funding to make a stadium on that site a reality, he says now there is a real possibility that wouldn't need to happen if they pursued the site again.
Timing was another factor in this decision. The goal was to have a team on the field next spring to coincide with the World Cup being played in North America in locations as close as Toronto. Marlette says the ability to meet that deadline was one of the factors that pushed them to the Elk Street site.
With the team now slated to kick off in 2027, it opens the door to projects that may be more time consuming.
Fans are encouraged to get an update on the team's progress and next steps at a town hall event at Larkin Square on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Related
