Developers are going through the early steps to convert the former Millard Fillmore Gates Circle hospital complex into a multi-use site. But neighbors are expressing concerns for potential traffic and parking headaches.
The project calls for construction of a senior residence, other residential space and business spaces including a planned fitness center, reportedly a new YMCA location. Demolition of former hospital buildings has not yet been completed. Work on the senior home is expected to get underway next year.
Representatives of the Gates Circle project presented findings from their own study to members of the Buffalo Planning Board on Tuesday morning. Among their findings, that the anticipated traffic will not exceed what existed when the hospital was open along Delaware Avenue at Gates Circle.
"Our studies have shown that the impact of our development will be less, from a traffic perspective, than when the hospital was in operation," said Christian Campos, president of TM Montante Development.
Neighbors don't necessarily agree with the study's findings. Even those in favor of redevelopment suggested developers may be underestimating the traffic and parking impact. Timothy Sick, who lives near Gates Circle and owns seven properties throughout the city, pointed out how hospital guests and staff often times used residential spaces instead of paid spaces.
"The rest of the neighboring streets have always dramatically been impacted by Children's Hospital, and this will take place and did take place during Gates Circle Millard Fillmore Hospital's existence," Sick said.
The project, which is expected to take years to complete, is now in a public comment period for the first phase. Written comments are being accepted by the Buffalo Planning Board through July 6.
