Wal-Mart submits proposal
Chooses former Ames site
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Town of Amherst has received a site plan proposal from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to develop a Supercenter Wal-Mart on the former Ames Department Store site on Sheridan Drive, owned by Benderson Development Company.

(See editorial on page four)

The company also plans to close the current store on Niagara Falls Boulevard.

Gary Black, Town of Amherst assistant planning director, said the site plan was received on Dec. 11 for a 176,000-square-foot structure at Sheridan Drive and Bailey Avenue.

"The (parcel) is properly zoned GM-general business," he said, adding that this puts the decision in the hands of the Planning Board and excludes the Town Board.

Philip Serghini, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. senior manager for public affairs, was not available for comment but submitted the following statement: "We look forward to better serving the residents of Amherst and becoming a part of the redevelopment of the Sheridan Drive and Bailey Avenue corridor."

According to the site plan, Wal-Mart will be requesting a variance, to be decided upon by the Zoning Board of Appeals, involving the placement of a loading dock in the rear of the structure. Black said according to the plan, the placement is a result of moving the dock away from residences in the area.

Black estimates the Zoning Board could have the item on its agenda as soon as January, and the Planning Board could hold a public hearing at its February or March meetings.

"The site is a primary location - it's properly zoned and consistent with the town's comprehensive plan," Black said, adding that the site is designed for a large retail store.

The site became vacant upon the bankruptcy of Ames Stores in 2001 and the

closing of all Western New York stores in 2002, according to The New York State Department of Labor. Black said the proposed development would make that corner more attractive and help improve the area.

The former Ames site, along with the former Linens and Things and DSW stores, would be demolished for the construction of Wal-Mart.

Depending on the demands from the town's various boards, the timeline could be adjusted. In the site plan, Wal-Mart

indicated a possible October 2007 construction start date and completion in May 2009.

The first protests were voiced at Monday's Town Board meeting. Comments about the large size of the structure, traffic impact and effects on surrounding businesses were stated on the record.

Although the Town Board doesn't have any authority over the development, it was urged to do what it could to oppose the project. The Supercenter would include a grocery

section in addition to Wal-Mart's products. It will also create new jobs, according to Wal-Mart's press release.

"We are quite fortunate and extremely excited to be able to update the vacant plaza with a newly designed Wal-Mart Supercenter," said Rex Burgher, Benderson senior vice president.

The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals have not announced their upcoming agendas. For information, visit the town's Web site at www. amherst. ny. us.