Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - The building permit deadline for the expansive Station Twelve retail project is approaching. While the Town of Amherst says the requirement is met, one real estate broker tells WBEN he thinks the process may have to start from scratch.
The Town of Amherst tells WBEN the building shells are up for the Station Twelve project, within the deadline of April 13.
While the town considers the matter moot, Bill Heussler of Hanna Real Estate says this round may be moot.
"I think essentially, they're gonna have to start all over with that permitting process," explained Heussler in an interview with WBEN. "You have to go through planning boards, and site approvals. It seems that they might have to revisit that whole thing, because I think the design from what it originally was, has changed quite a bit."
Heussler says that's because the land use has changed.
"It was going to be a real community center with mixed use of recreation, entertainment, and obviously, retail. I believe there was maybe even a housing component to that, so making a kind of a community site is far different than making it a plaza, or a big superstructure like they have down Niagara Falls Boulevard," Heussler said.
Considering traffic flow, safety and density, Heussler says there's quite a bit of change.
"They have to do quite a bit of reengineering and explain their process to the town of Amherst and the planning board," he said.
Heussler believes the property value has gone down about 25%.
"Now you have a big empty lot that someone has to start from scratch on and work everything," Heussler said.
He adds the good news is that buildings have already been torn down, which helps value. He says that could attract new developers.
Whole Foods is open at Station Twelve.
