Score one for preservationists in the fight to save the Great Northern Grain Elevator.
The New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division's 4th Department in Rochester on Friday ruled in favor of preservationists on the emergency demolition order for the Buffalo landmark.
The court reinstated their petition and a restraining order against the demo order, saying that the State Supreme Court in Erie County did not allow the petitioner to present its testimony. The appellate judges sent it back for further proceedings.
This reverses the court ruling by Justice Emilio Colaiacovo that the City of Buffalo didn't do anything wrong issuing an emergency demolition permit.
The brick exterior of the grain elevator — inactive for decades, but owned by Archer Daniel Midland — was damaged during a windstorm in December. ADM requested the demolition saying the building was unsafe, but preservationists said it is structurally sound and can be restored.
