The developer who hired Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's right-hand man, Steve Casey, has also hired one of the nation's top stadium design firms. The moves have sparked more speculation regarding the possible location of a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills.
Casey resigned earlier this week from his post as Buffalo's First Deputy Mayor to take a top job with developer Scott Congel.
Congel is proposing a $700 million mixed-use sports and entertainment complex at the site of the former Seneca Mall in West Seneca. The developer, who says the site could also include a new Buffalo Bills stadium, has also hired the Dallas based architecture firm HKS Sports and Entertainment.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown addressed some of the connections involved.
"The project that Steve Casey has been hired for is separate from the stadium interests that Mr. Congel has."
Brown says if a new stadium is built he would like to see it located in the city of Buffalo. Even though the Bills are in the process of being put up for sale Brown says doesn't think it's too early to be talking about stadium plans.
"Because the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, has indicated previously that a new stadium could be helpful in keeping the Bills here in western New York once the new ownership is in place."
But Brown says the new owner will be very involved in deciding if a new stadium is necessary. He says given the Bills impact on the region and the state, taxpayers should help support it.