Part of the former Millard Fillmore Gates hospital complex is set to tumble down some time in the near future.
Members of the Buffalo Planning Board gave their approval Tuesday morning of a plan that calls for implosion of the 10-story building located on the property.
A date for the implosion has not yet been determined. Byron DeLuke, a spokesman for developers TM Montante, told reporters that they'd like to schedule the implosion for a Saturday morning in late summer or early fall.
"We're going to have to work with the community, also the city," said DeLuke. "Weather will be a part in that. We're hoping to make a final determination soon."
Building C, located next to it, will also be partially demolished, though in that case the job will be done mechanically.
Planners expect cleanup of the rubble will take about three to four weeks. Many of the materials torn down, especially metal and brick, will be recycled. The brick, it was explained to Planning Board members, will be crushed and used as fill. Steps will be taken, board members were told, to protect nearby old trees and other properties as best as possible.
TM Montante is leading a seven-year redevelopment of the hospital complex into a mixed-use space that will include residential and commercial properties. The first phase of the project, a market-rate senior housing complex, is scheduled to begin next year.
