Forget all the rumors and whispering campaigns when it comes to what the Seneca Nation of Indians may do with some recently acquired Grand Island land.
In a rare, one-on-one interview with WBEN, Seneca said no decisions about the fate of the 207-acre swath of vacant land along Long Road have been made.
In fact, any discussions were pushed off until the federal Department of Interior officially designated the land with restricted fee status - a move that happened on Feb. 26.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Seneca said.
The federal designation exempts the land from taxes and also usurps any local and municipal land use regulations.
For many in Grand Island, that is a major sticking point.
For many years, the land had been eyed as a site for a possible Amazon warehouse and, later, a multi-tenant warehouse complex. Resident push back led Grand Island officials to pass on any approvals needed for the developments.
Acquest Development's William and Michael Huntress, the land owners, donated the land to the Seneca Nation in December.
"It was gift that was bestowed to them," said Daniel Kilmer, Grand Island councilman. "Whatever happens, it should be a team effort when it comes to helping the Senecas develop that land."
Kilmer is quick to shut down criticism of the Seneca Nation.
"How can you criticize something when you don't even know what it is," Kilmer said.
Seneca said the Seneca Nation will take a very deliberate series of steps before making any development decisions.
That includes discussions with the tribal council, members of the Seneca Nation and, yes, Grand Island.
"The people's voice is important," Seneca said. "We want to make sure we take the right steps."
As for rumors of a new casino, massive convenience store/gas station, housing development or cannabis dispensary, Seneca says don't believe the street buzz.
"The process is just starting," Seneca said. "Whatever ends up being developed will be something that helps both the present and future Seneca Nation members."
Seneca said there is no time frame or hard deadlines for when any development decision may be made.
It won't happen in the short term, Seneca said.
"A lot of things have to happen first," Seneca said.