By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Seneca Nation of Indians President Barry Snyder says by this Thursday, the public will have a "clearer picture" of plans for a downtown Buffalo casino.
The Senecas issued a news release Monday that release stopped short of announcing an actual ground breaking ceremony. It was reported Tuesday that the Senecas will start demolition of the old HO Oats grain elevator at Perry and Fulton Streets on Thursday morning, which is on the nine acres of land the nation took control of over the weekend.
Seneca spokesman Phil Pantano says Seneca leaders will be joined by invited local officials Thursday morning at 10:30 at the corner of Marvin and Fulton Streets.
"The Seneca Nation plan for Thursday is to let everyone know what the status and progress will be is for a Buffalo casino," Pantano said. "Everyone will have a much clearer indication come Thursday."
Under the casino compact deadline with the state, the Senecas must begin construction the city casino by this Friday or risk losing their chance to build it to another Indian tribe.
Word of the grain terminal's pending demolition has angered preservationists. They call it a magnificent landmark of industrial architecture.