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History of Amherst State Park News Archives

SUPPORT LACKING FOR JOINT ST. FRANCIS PURCHASE

Buffalo News,   January 28, 1998  by Patrick Lakamp


       Five of seven Amherst Town Board members refused to sign a letter expressing interest in buying prime, undeveloped land near Williamsville as a joint venture with the state.


       The town has a chance to buy almost 100 acres from the Sisters of St. Francis, including the St. Mary of the Angels motherhouse at 400 Mill St


       Some town leaders would like the land to become a town park.


       The town has negotiated with the order to purchase the land, and town sources say the asking price is about $4 million.


       Town Supervisor Susan J. Grelick, who signed the letter, said the refusal of other board members to sign the letter was not a setback.


       "I think the problem with the letter was they felt they would be committing town funds," Ms. Grelick said. "That's not the case. I think this was a communication problem. We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk about this as a Town Board."


       The letter was sent to state officials with Ms. Grelick's signature.


       Council Member Peggy G. Santillo also signed the letter.


       The letter expressed the town's interest in "a joint venture purchase with the State of New York wherein the state would contribute 50 percent of the purchase price of that property, the full amount of the purchase price yet undetermined, but not to exceed $5 million."


       The letter of intent was needed for state officials, including state Sen. Mary Lou Rath, to begin efforts to win state money for the purchase, Ms. Grelick said.


       Town Attorney Phillip A. Thielman said that signing the letter did not constitute a binding vote on the overall project, simply a statement of intent.


       Council Member James P. Hayes said he declined to sign the letter because he didn't have enough information.


       Hayes said he would support buying the property if the price was affordable and outside financial aid was available.


       "If Mary Lou Rath says this is important, and we need to sign it, then I'll sign it," Hayes said.


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