BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN).....Now controversial plans by the Seneca Nation of Indians to develop a mega gas station complex on a sovereign parcel that serves as a gateway into Buffalo's Old First Ward has Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Mayor Sean Ryan perplexed and irked - to say the least..
Now, both are hoping for a meeting with Seneca Nation leadership, with the longshot hope of a change in development course.
"Is that (the gas complex) the highest and best use of that parcel?," Ryan said. "I don't think so."
Since the Senecas began site prep work on the triangular parcel bounded by Chicago, Miami and Ohio streets, business leaders and local residents have been criticizing the project - especially since the Senecas already have a busy gas station just a few blocks north of the site on Michigan Avenue and across the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
In a statement issued by JC Seneca, Seneca Nation president, said the multi-million project "will create more economic activity in the area and help ease congestion at the Seneca One Stop on Michigan Avenue."
The project includes a 3,400-square-foot convenience store; 2,500 cannibis dispensary, 24 fuel pumps and two diesel fueling stations.
The station is due to open next summer.
"We were not aware of this," Poloncarz said. "Normally, they inform us."
The county executive is reviewing options that may force the Senecas to alter, or outright scrap, their development plans.
Meanwhile, Ryan said if he had his druthers, he'd love to see the Senecss develop something that's residential-anchored that would fit in with other recent projects along Ohio, Miami and Chicago streets.
"I think think the highest and best use of that parcel would be more apartments or retail,:" Ryan said.
But, for now, like Poloncarz, Ryan is reviewing what legal rights the city may have with something being developed by Senecas on their own sovereign land.
"We have to explore our rights," Ryan said.
Sean Ryan hopes a meeting can be set soon
Sean Ryan hopes a meeting can be set soon
