The debate continues over the future of Ascension Church, the landmark Linwood Avenue structure which the Episcopal Diocese wants to turn into senior housing. Common Council members on Tuesday heard disparate viewpoints on the $7 million proposal.
Though the proposal was rejected by Buffalo's Preservation Board, it has received approval from the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, and from state and federal historic preservation agencies.
"I immediately got in touch with the contractor and said I don't think the Preservation Board is being arbitrary and capricious or far reaching, and made a suggestion to them that they meet," said Council President Darius Pridgen.
The Common Council will vote in February to either support or reject the Preservation Board decision.
"I'm very happy that the developer on the record today agreed to work with the Preservation Board and their time is limited so they've got to get off the ground running right now," said Pridgen.
"This is not a question about affordable housing versus market-rate (housing). However, I am glad to see an affordable housing project in a part of our city that is in downtown Buffalo."
