Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca has issued his response to the City of Buffalo after Mayor Sean Ryan announced a lawsuit to stop construction of a Seneca One Stop gas station on a plot of land at 5 Miami Street in Buffalo's Old First Ward.
"The City, and especially the Mayor, simply do not get it. That land is Seneca Nation land – now and forever,” President Seneca wrote in his response.
Seneca says Kevin Coyne of the City's Department of Permit & Inspection Services posted a Stop Work Order at the site Tuesday. Seneca calls it "Sean Ryan's latest attack against the Seneca Nation's sovereignty."
"His lies and continued hostility toward the Seneca Nation regarding our land are nothing short of a purposeful distraction," Seneca wrote Wednesday evening.
“I invited the Mayor to meet with the Nation to discuss this situation. His response was a City Stop Work Order that bears no weight on our sovereign land followed a day later by a lawsuit. Rather than dialogue, the Mayor wants to continue his public charade and attacks against our sovereignty."
The lawsuit is also receiving criticism from Braiden McElhaney, a member of the Seneca Nation and Erie County Democratic Committee Member.
McElhaney writes Mayor Ryan and residents' concerns deserve to be heard, “However, I disagree with the decision to resolve those concerns through litigation. I believe this approach risks further straining the relationship between the City and the Seneca Nation at a time when constructive government-to-government dialogue is especially important.”
“The sovereignty of the Seneca Nation must be respected throughout this process. Our Nation has defended its land, treaties, and right to self-government for generations. Protecting those principles does not prevent us from listening to our neighbors or working collaboratively toward solutions," McElhaney said.
The $10 million project includes a gas station and convenience store, a Nativa Cannabis dispensary and space for a convenient food service tenant.
