The Buffalo Common Council has given final approval to plans for a 23-story residential tower on the Outer Harbor. Construction on the new Queen City Landing is set to begin immediately after council members voted 6-3 in favor of the $60 million project.
The plans call for the demolition of the old Freezer Queen Plant and once completed will include close to 200 residential units, two restaurants and other amenities.
"We intend to make the eyesore that people see into a beautiful building," said Gerry Buchheit the developer of the project. Buccheit says construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. "We are getting a lot of interest but haven't taken deposits yet."
But not everyone thinks this is the dream project developers are promoting. David Rivera was one of three council members to vote against the plan. "I just feel this development is inconsistent with that, it is 17 stories taller than the current building that is there." said Rivera. "Aesthetically I wasn't happy with the design. Certainly the height of the building was something that was problematic with me."
"This is private money and we intend to do something not with their tax dollars and open it to the public like it's never been done before."
