Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - In less than 24 hours, the proverbial development "line in the sand" between the City of Buffalo and the Seneca Nation of Indians will hit a critical point.
Based on a strongly worded letter the city's corporation counsel's office sent to J.C. Seneca, Seneca Nation of Indians president, the Senecas have until 10 a.m. Wednesday to stop construction on its $10 million, but controversial Miami Street gas station complex, or risk legal action.
Seneca, however, responded the work will continue.
"It will be interesting to see what happens next," said Paul Marzello, Old First Ward resident and former CEO of the Buffalo Naval Park.
The station - being constructed on a triangular vacant parcel nestled between Miami, Chicago and Ohio streets - is being derided by Old First Ward businesses, residents and others in the city.
The project will feature 24 fuel stations, two diesel fuel stations, a convenience store and cannabis dispensary and serve as a companion to another Seneca One Stop on Michigan Avenue and across from Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
Both stations are within a handful city blocks from each other.
Jim Fink - WBEN
The proposed station sits on sovereign Seneca land -s something the federal Department of Interior backed three years ago.
"This is not a good fit for the neighborhood and it runs counter to the vision we have been building for this corridor for more than a decade," said Mayor Sean Ryan.
It also serves as key gateway parcel into the Old First Ward,
The project, critics say, runs counter to the wave of private sector-backed development along Ohio Street.
But Seneca says the project could be a development spark. According to Seneca, during the station's construction more than 50 workers will be on site.
Once the complex opens next July, it will create at least 50 new jobs with most new hires coming from the City of Buffalo and specifically, the Old First Ward.
But business owners like Justin Hartman from Hartman's Distillery on Chicago Street say the project will hurt - not help - the district.
"The Senecas are putting profits over the community and profits over conservation," Hartman said. "We just need to stand up for what is right."
