Theater, restaurants, shops
Public hearing Aug. 20 for Maple Road
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The closure of the Buffalo Shooting Club on Maple Road has left an open space that Benderson Development Co. wants to transform in a brand new concept for Western New York.

(See editorial on page four)

A mixed-use development has been proposed, and recommended by the Planning Board.

Attorney Jeff Palumbo of Damon & Morey LLP will present the plan on Monday at the Amherst Town Board meeting, which begins at 7 p.m.

A public hearing will follow his presentation.

The more than 275,000-square-foot development will include a theatre, restaurants, shops, a hotel and condominiums.

"It's a whole new exciting approach in Western New York," he said. "You see these in other places, even Cleveland, Florida, North Carolina, why can't we bring it to Western New York?"

He added that redevelopment needs to take place in Amherst to bring in new people.

"The town will be able to point and say this is a jewel of the community," Palumbo said.

He said the location on Maple Road is perfect for such a development because it is located on a five-lane road, and complements the functions of the University at Buffalo and the Pepsi Center.

The estimated assessed value of the development is $44 million, with a generated revenue of $1.6 million annually.

"It will be beneficial, it's something the town has never seen before, something Western New York has never seen before," Palumbo said.

In order to move forward, the land, 218 and 230 Maple Road, must be rezoned from Community Facilities District-CF to General Business-GB.

A traffic study has been completed on the proposed project and Palumbo said no significant impacts are expected but modifications, such as turning lanes, may be necessary.

The plan has also been submitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A response has not been received to date, according to Palumbo.

The developer is also spending a significant amount of money on lead remediation from the land being used by the Buffalo Shooting Club for several years.

Residents wanting to speak about the proposal, in favor or against, will have 5 minutes during the public hearing.

A decision on the rezoning can't be made Monday due to the various reviews that have not been completed.

Those who have already voiced an opposition complained about traffic congestion and the building of a retail center at that location.

Amherst Town Board meetings are held at Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville. For agenda information visit www.amherst.ny.us.