Citizen's Web site opposes proposed Maple Road project
Residents vs. Benderson
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Residents along Maple Road are becoming more outspoken on the multi-use development proposed for their neighborhood.

(See editorial on page four)

Compared to the public hearing held on Sept. 4, resident opposition has gained strength.

The reason for their angst is the Benderson Development Company's proposed Town Centre on the site of the former Buffalo Gun Club.

Fairways Boulevard resident Bill Flemming launched a Web site on the project following the Dec. 3 Town Board meeting, in which the public comment period lasted more than two hours and included speakers both for and against the development.

"I attended the meeting that night, gathering information on what Benderson plans to do. It blew me away. I'm very concerned about what's going on," Flemming said.

Residents can read about the plan, comment, and become involved on the Web site.

Flemming said he wants to get the facts out and doesn't want to misrepresent the proposal.

"We are not against redevelopment, but we are against this plan," he said.

Flemming said he supports Council Member Deborah Bruch Bucki's request for another traffic study, adding that according to the results of the first, information on accidents was not readily available.

Describing his road as a speedway, with no traffic control, Flemming fears the Town Centre development traffic would make the situation worse on Fairways Boulevard.

He launched the site last week, www. fairwaysblvd. com.

While those opposing the project are looking for support, the developer said the vast majority of the town is supporting the project.

Eric Recoon, vice president of leasing for Benderson, said he has never been associated with a project that has had as much support.

"Widespread, the community is supporting this. There are 50, 100, maybe 200 people who oppose this, out of the 114,000-116,000 population. That is a distinct minority," he said.

Recoon said rumors have been spread about the project, mostly that the developer is not planning to fully clean up the area.

He said that not only is the developer paying millions of dollars to clean it to the highest standards, but Benderson doesn't have the control - it's regulated by the state Department of Conservation.

When asked why a contaminated site was chosen, Recoon said, "There are always hurdles and obstacles. The reality is this is a fantastic location, but it happens to be contaminated.

"We understand there is going to be opposition, but the focus is on what this will do for the community," he said.

In response to the "Not in my back yard," attitude, Recoon said the developer had looked, and still looks, for the right spot and believes Maple Road is it.

"The location is the primary benefit of this project," he said, adding that it is adjacent to the Pepsi Center, the bike path, University at Buffalo and the Audubon Golf Course.

Recoon said Benderson has made itself available to residents, holding two public meetings, and is available to answer questions. He said anyone who wants to talk about the project can call the company at 886-0211 or visit www. benderson. com.

The Amherst Town Board had tabled its decision on accepting the Final Draft Environmental Impact Study until the 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17 meeting.

The parcel needs approval from the Town Board to rezone the land. Because of a petition, the vote needs six votes to pass. A date on that vote has not been officially announced.

For information, visit www. amherst. ny. us.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com