BORROWING OK'D FOR PURCHASE OF MOTHERHOUSE

Buffalo News,   July 21, 1998  by Patrick Lakamp

       Amherst lawmakers Monday agreed to borrow $2.5 million to buy the four-story St. Mary of the Angels motherhouse owned by the Sisters of St. Francis just north of Williamsville village line.

       The town also would acquire 19 acres around the motherhouse and a 7-acre parcel near the Sheridan Drive boundary of the property, while the state pays for the remaining 61 acres, town officials said.

       Board members voted 7-0 for the proposal to borrow the money.

       The Sisters of St. Francis order has indicated it prefers to sell the property to the town. Negotiations continue among town and state officials and representatives from the religious order about how to pursue the purchase, said Town Attorney Phillip A. Thielman.

       Because the state will provide $2.5 million, state officials have told the town the state wants title to about 61 acres of open space, including an orchard and meadows.

       That land would make up the bulk of a state park that the town would operate and maintain for the state for 40 years. The town would hold easements on the property to allow for access to the property from Reist Street, Sheridan Drive and Mill Street.

       The state's desire for open space -- not buildings -- leaves the town to take ownership of the sprawling 1920s-era motherhouse and the land around it.

       Board members say they are unsure what, if anything, to do with the motherhouse when the town acquires the property. Most Council members have come out against developing the building into town offices or a senior center.

       The town could sell the motherhouse and use the profit to pay off the debt.

       In February, Town Board members voted to buy the land and said they would be willing to pay up to half of the $5 million offered for the property. The state's partnership will allow Amherst to help purchase the property from the sisters.