99-Year Lease for Housing Solutions Project Denied by Buffalo Council

A proposed lease of city-owned property to developer Housing Solutions, LLC to build a 26-unit attainable housing development has been denied by the Buffalo City Council.

The lease was considered during their meeting Tuesday evening, after discussions in favor of the project from Jerry Spiering, who has spearheaded the idea, and from City Planner/Building Inspector Terry Asay, as well as those who are against the project.

Those against the project, although understanding the need for attainable housing in Buffalo, cited the location for the project, possible congestion in the area due to the development, as well as the 99-year lease of city-owned property where it would be built.

Councilman John Camino said he knows there is a need for attainable housing, but he is not in favor of this proposal.

Councilman Scott Madsen was also against the 99-year lease of city land, saying the developer has done these types of projects in other communities but purchased the land they were built on.

The council voted to deny the 99-year lease of the city property.