A downtown developer has filed suit to stop a nearby parking lot from being used as a site for new apartments and a grocery store.
The Buffalo News reports Rocco Termini, who owns the Hotel @Lafayette, is taking legal action against Ciminelli Real Estate, Mayor Byron Brown and various city agencies.
Ciminelli is planning to build the complex on a parking lot at 201 Ellicott Street. But Termini says the lack of sufficient parking for the new project is irresponsible and will cause harm to the surrounding area.
Termini first threatened legal action in a WBFO News interview last March.
"I would hope that everyone would come to the table, sit down and have a rational discussion about what’s needed and how we go forward from here," said Termini, "and if I have to tie this project up for a year or two, I will until it’s done right."
A judge issued a temporary restraining order in the case June 24th. But Termini is seeking a preliminary injuction that would bar the sale of the land. In court papers, Ciminelli said it anticipates closing on the property purchase this Tuesday.
Click here for Jay Moran's March interview with Rocco Termini and Buffalo Rising's Newell Nussbaumer.
