Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The timing of a ruling from an Erie County Court judge to revoke an emergency demolition permit granted to the owner of the Cobblestone District property that went up in flames last week has caused increased speculation over potential foul play. This was especially the case after news broke late Monday that the city asked for assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the investigation of the fire at 110 and 118 South Park Avenue.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says the public shouldn't speculate, though, as the ATF's involvement is just the city doing its due diligence.
"The investigation should go wherever it goes. I am not charging anyone with anything, not alleging that anyone did anything, just trying to find out why and how this fire started if that is possible," said Mayor Brown on Tuesday in an interview with WBEN.
Later on Tuesday, Mayor Brown shared similar concerns with Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo of the fire at the Cobblestone District site was "suspicious, in nature," prompting the call for assistance in the investigation from the ATF.
"In the case of Cobblestone, they didn't have any utilities, no gas, no electrical into the building. These buildings don't generally start themselves on fire, so it is suspicious in nature. That's one of the reasons why we call them in," said Commissioner Renaldo.
Mayor Brown, along with property owner of 110 and 118 South Park Avenue, Darryl Carr, told WBEN on Tuesday they found out about the Erie County Court judge's decision to revoke an emergency demolition permit granted to Carr on Monday.
"I found out yesterday afternoon," said Carr.
"The city found out about the decision yesterday as well," said the Mayor.
That ruling was made last Tuesday, only hours before a fire broke out at the properties, causing significant damage to the historic site.
Carr scoffed at the idea of anyone assuming he was responsible, and says he supports the ATF getting involved.
"They'll find out that God did this, most likely," Carr said. "There's security cameras all around those buildings."
"They can say all they want. I have a clear conscience. I would never do that. It just complicates the whole issue."
Mayor Brown adds there's no timeline for how long the investigation will take, but it will delay the city's plans.
"Nothing can start, in terms of the preservation of this building, until the investigation is complete."
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