BUFFALO, N.Y. — On the Daemen University campus is MusicalFare Theatre.
Now the Town of Amherst has a plan involving government and residents for a multi-use Amherst Central Park plan.
The $11 million bond has angered some residents who are part of the Amherst Concerned Citizens group.
"Let's put it out on a ballot," said resident Andrea Morgante, who is part of the group circulating a petition calling for a referendum."
"We're not against MusicalFare. We're not against them. What we're against is that five board members are making a decision for the residents of Amherst of 129,000 of us to put an $11 million bond on our backs. Let's put it out on a ballot. That's what this referendum is about. Now, if the residents say yes, they want this, fine, but at least the residents are making that decision."
Here is a statement to Channel 2 from the Town of Amherst Chief of Staff Joe McMahon about the project.
“The voters of Amherst have known about Amherst Central Park plan for years and supported this Town Board by electing them. The Amherst Central Park Plan is derived from a multi-year participatory planning process involving municipal leaders, residents, and community stakeholders. The developed plan is a multi-use park drawing on natural resources, environmental sciences, the fine arts, recreation and historic preservation. (Picture attached) Based on this support from voters, the Town Board unanimously approved the lease agreement with MusicalFare and the bond for a new theatre after many years of comprehensive planning. This project has been a major component in developing Amherst Central Park receiving significant support from our partners from Erie County, New York State and the Amherst community. The Town has appropriately budgeted for ACP; supported with MusicalFare efforts with fundraising and grants it has received. MusicalFare will be a cultural destination and economic driver for our town. With regard to the petition effort, there is no comment at this time. If a petition is filed by a vocal small group of people, the Town will respond accordingly.”
Morgante said residents would like to see the $11 million be used to improve infrastructure in the town.
"We have sewers that are backing up. We have these LED light projects and they're supposed to be smart lights. They're not working. They're supposed to send a message to the center and say, hey, I'm out. We got people complaining about the lights being out and nobody is taking care of them, but the main thing is is our infrastructure. We want that taken care of first," Morgante said.
The petition can be signed at the following dates at times:
- April 12, 5 to 7 p.m., McPartlan’s Corner 669 Wehrle Drive (sidewalk)
- April 13, 10 a.m. to noon, Wegmans Sheridan & Hopkins (sidewalk)
- April 13, 1 to 2 p.m., Northtown Plaza (Station 12) (sidewalk)
- April 14, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 5501 Main St. across from St. Peter & Paul (sidewalk)
- April 14, 1 to 2 p.m., Wegmans Alberta Drive (sidewalk)
- April 14, 6:15 to 7 p.m., Amherst Middle School
- April 15, 9 to 10 a.m., Tim Hortons, Millersport
- April 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Vin-Chet Bakery
- April 17, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Main & Mill
April 18, 6 to 8 p.m., Harlem Community Center
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