Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As preservationists await an appeal to be heard in court Monday, New York State lawmakers joined the effort to save the wind-damaged Great Northern grain elevator on Ganson Street in Buffalo.
Senator Sean Ryan was joined by Assemblyman Jon Rivera in calling for the City of Buffalo to rescind the demolition permit for the structure and allow an independent assessment of the grain elevator to be conducted immediately.
Once an independent assessment is conducted, ADM Milling Co., owner of the structure, could be ordered to make repairs to the building through the city's new receivership program. If ADM will not make repairs, then the building would go to a receiver, who would then make the necessary repairs, stabilize the building, and find an interested buyer, such as developer Douglas Jemal, who has expressed interest in saving the building.
Following a lengthy court hearing last week, New York State Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo reluctantly lifted the stay on the demolition, siding with the city that the structure was a safety concern for the community.
The City of Buffalo issued an emergency demolition for the property after a wind storm left the north wall heavily damaged. Mayor Byron Brown reached out to ADM to ask if all, or some of the property could be preserved. Following the court ruling, ADM indicated it would work to preserve some portion or some contents of the building during the anticipated demolition effort.
The Campaign for Greater Buffalo has filed an appeal that is expected to be heard Monday by the Fourth Appellate Court.
"This situation is a prime example of why the City of Buffalo created its new receivership program – and the city should make use of it," said Sen. Ryan during a press briefing Sunday. "ADM must be treated like any other Buffalonian who lets a property fall into disrepair."
"ADM had the opportunity to demolish the structure for decades, but instead chose to demolish by neglect," Assemblyman Rivera stated. "We need to be more adamant in preserving Buffalo's unique history while reprimanding those property owners who refuse to maintain it."
