BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......This much is certain when it comes to the now-controversial plan by the Seneca Nation of Indians to develop one of its Seneca One Stop locations on a gateway but sovereign parcel leading into the Old First Ward.
Seneca Nation President JC Seneca, late Friday afternoon, confirmed the $10 million project is moving forward.
"It is still going forward," JC Seneca said.
JC Seneca and other key Seneca Nation of Indians leaders met for more than one hour, in a closed door session, with a Buffalo contingent led by Mayor Sean Ryan, Deputy Mayor Thomas Baines and Fillmore District Mitch Nowakowski to discuss the project.
"These are things that we normally deal with," JC Seneca said.
Pre-construction site prep work began on Aug. 31 and the work surpassed most, especially when it was revealed that it was going to a Seneca One Stop.
The project is set for a triangular parcel bounded by Ohio, Miami and Chicago streets - which is sovereign territory meaning the Seneca Nation needed no Buffalo approval.
The project includes 24 gas pumps, 2 diesel fuel pumps, a cannabis dispensary, convenience and small grocery store.
JC Seneca the project will employ at least 50 construction workers and 50 One Stop workers when the complex opens next summer.
"These are people we will be hiring from the Old First Ward and elsewhere in Buffalo," JC Seneca said.
Other meetings between the city and Seneca leaders are being scheduled.
"Everyone has some homework to do," Nowakowski said.
Old First Ward residents remain less than pleased, said Paul Marzello, one of the spokesmen for the neighborhood.
"For Buffalo to do nothing just because it is sovereign land is unacceptable,:" Marzello said. "In fact, it is unacceptable that this project is moving forward."
Nowakowski said because of sovereign land regulations, there is little Buffalo can do to stop the project,
"The Ctty of Buffalo's role is very limited," Nowakowski said.
Marzello said Buffalo does have some bully pulpit options because the Senecas will need a city hall sign off for curb cuts and infrastructure tie-ins.
Buffalo could also press for an environmental review, Marzello said.
"There are things Buffalo could use," Marzello said.
'
Residents upset work continues on $10 million project
Residents upset work continues on $10 million project
