CLARENCE, NY (WKBW) — Redeveloping malls is an important part of future economic development in suburban communities and a lifestyle option for residents.
Last week, we told you the Clarence Town Board gave the green light to a major redevelopment plan for the Eastern Hills Mall. An environmental review will now get underway, as developers are planning to transform the mall into a town center.
I talked to some mall shoppers and a town leader about this massive project.
“I’m excited about it,” said Pat Nelson.
“It's a great project,” said Town of Clarence Supervisor Patrick Casilio.
"I think it's a great idea because now it's just sitting, wasted space. You can't even walk in the mall. We used to meet and walk in the mall,” said Mary Harcrow.
There's a lot of excitement to re-imagine the 54-year-old, once beloved mall off Transit Road.
The project would redevelop more than one million square feet of space inside the mall and create 1,400 residential units. Along with housing, the future eastern hills town center would feature storefronts, restaurants, entertainment, and offices.
"The goal is — on this site is to have it as a living center that if you wanted to, you'd never have to leave this site,” Casilio said.
"A place where you walk to grocery stores, pharmacies and bars and restaurants and other entertainment venues,” said Carl Montante Jr. of Uniland Development.
Montante talked about this project after last week's planning board approval of concept plans and an environmental quality review. He said it would be a first for Western New York.
Clarence Supervisor Casilio told me it won't happen quickly, but will be built in phases.
“We have to work on our sewer capacity for this site, and once we get over that hurdle, I expect the project to take off rapidly, and I know that we advertise that it's a 20-year project, but I could see it in good shape in 10 years,” Casilio said.
Uniland will need approval of phase one, but the supervisor is certain this project will take off and unlike the difficulties other area developers are having with stalled projects. Casilio told me, this situation is different.
“There's two owners involved, they own all the property, the town doesn't have to come in and condemn property,: Casilio said. "They're working with the existing tenants like JCPenney's and Flanigan to make sure that they have a home in the future, and the owners, and the Town of Clarence are all pulling in the same direction."
The developer said they're already hearing from residents who want to live at the future center.
"I might be looking to downsize in the next few years, so that's another very exciting opportunity,” Nelson said.
"That's what they need for the older population, my gym and everything – restaurants – all right here like others,” said Harcrow.
