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Judge orders halt to demoltion of Bethlehem Steel building

File photo

A temporary restraining order has been issued halting any further demolition of the Bethlehem Steel Administration Building in Lackawanna. Preservationists have been fighting to keep the building's current owner, Gateway Trade Center, from knocking down the 1901 building. State Supreme Court justice James Dillon will hold a hearing on the issue February 27 to decide whether the injunction should be made permanent.

The Campaign for Greater Buffalo History, Architecture and Culture maintains that Gateway failed to comply with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, required for demolition.

"SEQRA mandates all agencies of government to prepare an environmental impact statement on any action they propose or approve which may have a significant effect on the environment.  Even actions which do not require a full impact statement  require careful environmental review and findings.  It appears that none was carried out in this instance," said Richard Berger, Esq., representing the Campaign.

"The Gateway and the City of Lackawanna failed to follow State law in their rush to destroy this building. It is a important symbol of the New York State's history," said Tim Tielman, Executive Director of the Campaign, "and we simply cannot allow any entity to heedlessly remove our heritage."

After a nine-month battle, demolition of the administration building began in late January. Preservationists say the Beaux Arts-style building is eligible for both state and national registers of historic places.