Bee Editorial
Approve the rezoning to allow Town Centre
We can empathize that the Amherst Town Board has a tough decision to make at its April 21 meeting, when it is scheduled to vote on the rezoning of the former Buffalo Shooting Club on Maple Road. There have been a lot of pros and cons related to the development of this project.

We have attended many meetings and heard all the advantages and disadvantages from the community and neighbors about this project and compiled a file that rivals other major projects proposed in the town. And weighing all the pros and cons, we have to support the building of the Town Centre.

The community can't sit back and watch people leave, buildings deteriorate and taxes rise. No, a multi-use development won't keep people in the area, but it will generate some growth and taxes in the town.

And, no, a brand new walking community won't make students choose the University at Buffalo over another school, but it will be something that identifies the area, something they may remember when making the choice.

When visiting the area or considering a move, does someone remember a drab, lead-infested piece of land or a beautiful development - a place to go and do something?

In Western New York, there are Elmwood and Hertel avenues in Buffalo and Main Street in Williamsville, where people can take a stroll, enjoy a meal, stop for a treat and see a show. While each area has its own character, all have one thing in common: they attract people.

Whether it's a lazy Saturday, or you have guests in town and are looking to go out, how often have you asked yourself - where can we go? Many residents pack the malls, sit outside coffee shops, file into restaurants or stand in line at the movies or a show. In Cheektowaga the new addition on the Galleria Mall is packed, bringing in new, exciting stores and restaurants. Now, that can all come to Amherst, in one location.

Is Maple Road the right location? We think so. While many may argue, we have driven up and down the street, and although it is in need of repair, it's not bumper-to-bumper, and the cars aren't lining up from signal to signal. We have also done this at various times during the day and week.

Of course, no one wants to see Maple Road be the next Niagara Falls Boulevard, and this development won't do that. That stretch of Maple Road is empty and near some of the greatest assets in town - the University at Buffalo and the Amherst Pepsi Center.

The board will have its chance to make a decision. We hope it's to better life in Amherst.