By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-959256.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The County Executive wants to help move along restoration of the Darwin Martin House in Buffalo.
Chris Collins announced a challenge grant to help complete interior restoration of the historic home on Jewett Parkway. But as WBFO'S Eileen Buckley Collins has no intention of offer other culturals similar challenge grants.
Collins says he would provide $500,000 dollars in capital funds for the project, if the organization is able to raise another $1 million in private sector donations.
If that happens, Collins will then ask the County Legislature to approve the grant.
"A month from now we hope to have this in front of them for approval, and I'm considering it a foregone conclusion. This isn't anything that's in doubt whatsoever. I suspect that first million dollars from the private sector, I'm hopeful, will come in fairly quickly. We will be able to get the check over to the Darwin Martin House quickly as well. This isn't, in my opinion a question mark at all," said Collins.
Tuesday evening M & T Bank also announced a $350,000 grant for interior restoration at the Martin House to help kick-off the County Executive's challenge.
Martin House chief operating officer Mary Roberts said so far they've raised about $41 million for restoration, but still need to raise about $6 million to finish the interior.