Boulevard Mall Demolition Could Begin This Spring
Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa stated that once Benderson Development Co. completes the purchase of Boulevard Mall, the town will proceed with its planned takeover of the mall site through eminent domain. The Town of Amherst plans to establish an urban renewal area that includes Boulevard Mall and a large portion of the surrounding commercial district to revive the declining shopping center.
Plans for Urban Renewal and Demolition
The demolition of Boulevard Mall is expected to start this spring after Benderson Development Co. and the Town of Amherst complete the necessary contractual and legal procedures.
Official Partnership
The Amherst Town Board is set to approve a formal partnership with Benderson Development, which is taking over as the primary developer from Douglas Jemal. Jemal has agreed to sell the property after six years of redevelopment attempts.
Revitalization Efforts
- The new urban renewal area aims to jump-start the revitalization of the fading shopping center.
- Plans include redeveloping not only the mall but also a wide swath of the neighboring commercial district.
- Benderson Development Co. will lead future redevelopment efforts along Niagara Falls Boulevard.
"Once Benderson Development Co.'s Boulevard Mall purchase goes through, the town will move forward with its long-planned takeover of the mall site through eminent domain." – Brian Kulpa, Amherst Supervisor
The uncertainty around previous ambitious plans for a town center at the Boulevard Mall site remains, as Benderson has not yet committed to following the earlier redevelopment strategies.
Author’s summary: Amherst is set to partner with Benderson Development for the Boulevard Mall redevelopment, with demolition expected in spring to spur urban renewal of the area.