Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo plans to move forward with abandonment proceedings at the Buffalo Grand Hotel by the end of the month, according to Buffalo Business First.
Cathy Amdur, commissioner of the department of permits and inspections services for the City of Buffalo told Business First that the city is prepared to file a notice of intent to take control of the hotel soon unless owner Harry Stinson pays off unpaid taxes and sewer fees, and addresses a number of violations.
The hotel has been idle since December of 2021 because of a fire that damaged ballrooms and conference space.
Stinson responded to the news in an interview with WBEN, saying he had "one key comment."
"This hotel and these hotel rooms could have been opened within 60 days of the fire four years ago. Catherine Amdur refused to allow them to open, even though her own building inspector was coordinating the process. This lies on her desk," said Stinson on Thursday.
Stinson tells WBEN it's been "four years of hell" trying to maintain control of the building. He says he has heard nothing from the city directly about the start of abandonment proceedings.
"In fact, one week ago in housing court, Judge Dabney specifically asked the city lawyer that was present, categorically and with some irritation 'has the city taken any actions or has any specific plans to seize this hotel'... the city lawyer said no," Stinson said.
Stinson says he will "aggressively" fight the city's plans.
"We have not, and have never abandoned this building. To this day, we are present on-site. I am present on-site today... meeting with contractors," he added.
WBEN has reached out to the City of Buffalo for comment.