Bee Editorial
Wal-Mart development would remove eyesore
Bombarding the local news right now is back and forth discussion about developing the waterfront — all the while structures remain empty.

As Buffalo searches for occupants, Amherst has developers knocking on vacant doors to open businesses. The site plan for a Wal-Mart on Sheridan Drive in the former Ames Department Store building is a good proposal for the area.

Vacant since 2002, the existing structure serves as nothing more than an eyesore. Its location is perfect for commercial business. Unlike the request to develop in North Amherst, this site is zoned properly and has a history of “big box” retail.

At the intersection of two major roadways, the proposed site offers residents much easier access than if the 176,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter was built along a smaller roadway. However, we are not traffic experts and hope those chosen to oversee the town’s development would ask any questions regarding that region’s ability to handle increased traffic.

The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium stands unused for more than 10 years. While the Ames site hasn’t reached that longevity, it has been vacant for nearly five years, which is more time than any major intersection should sit without development.

We encourage the Planning Board to approve this project and redevelopment of that section of town. The zoning is correct, the proposal coincides with the Master Plan and the parcel has already been the site of a large retail store.

Bringing a large company on the tax rolls will be a benefit throughout the town. Although the company plans to close its current Niagara Falls Boulevard store, that will open the doors for another business to move into an existing structure. In addition, Wal-Mart will be demolishing an outdated building that no one has proposed a use for in five years.

We have heard the complaints and read the letters of objection to Wal-Mart stores, but this proposal seems like a compromise for all those involved. Residential property will not become commercial, and wetlands are not an issue. Businesses have proven they can thrive in the shadow of a Wal-Mart, and we believe the same will prove true on Sheridan Drive.

The facts are now on the Planning Department table, and residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on this new Wal-Mart development. Keep reading The Amherst Bee for meeting dates for the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals as this project moves forward.