BUFFALO, NY - It was just over two years ago when developer Gerry Buchheit unveiled his unprecedented idea for a new apartment tower to replace the old Freezer Queen building on Buffalo's Outer Harbor. But since then nothing has really happened other than a pretty lengthy court battle.
With the snow cover, it's still a somewhat desolate location just off of Fuhrmann Boulevard. The only obvious sign of activity is the cross country ski tracks there. There's a sign on the fence that still does indicate a presence for Queen City Landing. But developer Gerry Buchheit still faces a major legal hurdle in his plan to build what he calls a signature waterfront tower right there.
The proposed 23 story apartment tower complex on the site of the now demolished Freezer Queen plant seemingly had a city green light with approvals back in 2016. But opponents legally challenged the process on height and environmental issues and now a second court round last November has Judge Nugent Panepinto still weighing a decision. Phil Pantano, a spokesman for Buchheit says "We're just awaiting a decision from the judge before construction can begin. But everything behind the scenes is still moving forward in terms of internal planning processes, finishing up the remediation and getting that reviewed by the DEC."
That review was required because of soil content and the previous site building contamination. That includes a partial demolished wall collapse into the water that drew a DEC fine.
Opponents claim additional questions surfaced on market demand for luxury apartments and site soil integrity tied to structural support for a tall tower. Attorney Art Giacalone points out "That just adds huge expenses to a project. So it could very well be that this project is not economically feasible and maybe QCL has just decided to clean up that site so it's ready to build something else."
2 On your Side asked Pantano "If this keeps getting held up...he may decide...look this is not worth it ?.
Pantano replied "Any time that an effort like this faces constant hurdle after hurdle after hurdle...is it frustrating ?...yes" But he added that Buchheit has already invested heavily in time, planning and resources to make it work.
So we asked if Gerry Buchheit is still excited about this..he's not just disillusioned?
Pantano replied "Absolutely still excited."