By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Common Council has approved plans for a controversial hotel to be built on Elmwood and Forest Avenues.
At Tuesday afternoon's Council session, lawmakers unanimously approved plans for a 72-room, four story Wyndom hotel. Savarino Construction is the proposal's developer. The company is seeking to demolish five properties at Elmwood and Forest.
But some residents say they are outraged. Maria Scrivani, who lives on Byrant Street, says she has too many unanswered questions.
"I first heard about it a month ago, and all of a sudden, it's approved," Scrivani said. "There was no opportunity for people to stand up and say what about the vacancy rates at downtown hotels. If we can't fill the downtown hotels, what are we going to do about this place?"
Citizens opposed to the hotel say they are worried that it will change the character of the Elmwood Avenue strip.
Also Tuesday, the Council approved plans to offer free metered parking on Saturdays in downtown Buffalo. Masten District Council Member Antoine Thompson says lawmakers approved the measure in response to the Mayor's request.
Thompson says the Public Works Department will work quickly to get the new signs up at the downtown meters. But for now, he says, police are expected to wave the meter fees starting this Saturday.
The Mayor requested the free meter parking on Saturdays in response to the recent crackdown on illegal parking.