BUFFALO, N.Y. — Hopes that redevelopment of the former Voelker's Bowling alley at the corner of Amherst St. and Elmwood Ave were thrown into the gutter after the Buffalo Planning Board tabled the agenda item Monday evening.
The planning board did debate the development plan—which calls for a mixed-use, 230 apartment unit complex with commercial space and a potential bowling alley.
Planning board members seemed supportive of the project, and mainly tabled the item at the request of North District councilmember Joe Golombek Jr.
Councilmember Golombek wanted to host a community meeting with the developer before the project could be approved.
That meeting was also held Monday night at the American Legion on Amherst St.
The main focus of both the planning board meeting and the community meeting was parking.
Developer's SAA|EVI plan to build 77 parking spaces for the 230 unit complex.
There is a second phase of the project planned and the planning board asked if the parking that is planed for phase 2 could be utilized once phase 1 is complete.
Developer Connor Kenney said that was possible. That would then bring the total number of parking spaces to around 120.
Kenney said that parking utilization at their other properties is .5-.7 per 1 occupant, meaning not everyone renting the property has a vehicle. He mentioned many of the tenants utilize public transportation.
Residents at the community meeting, however, were concerned that there won't be enough parking spaces at the development and tenants will try occupying available spaces along the neighboring streets.
Councilmember Golombek said that the current plan will most likely change after Monday's meeting and after future public hearings held during the Common Council meeting in November.
Golombek emphasized that both the developer and community will need to compromise on a final plan.