By Bert Gambini & Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-972413.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A Cleveland developer has filed a $1-million lawsuit against Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
The Buffalo News is reporting the NRP Corporation has alleged corruption and racketeering stemming from the Mayor's cancellation of a housing project.
NRP claims a plan to build 50 rental properties in Buffalo was scrapped after the firm refused to hire the Reverend Richard Stenhouse, one of the Mayor's supporters.
Court papers say Brown conspired with Stenhouse and Masten District Council Member Demone Smith in canceling the project.
A mayoral spokesman said the city deserved a better proposal than what NRP offered and they're prepared to fight the lawsuit and the meritless accusations.
Mayor Brown is denying the allegations. His office issued the following written statement: "Our City deserved better than the proposal we received from the out of town developer. We are prepared to defend the lawsuit. The allegations are without merit".
WBFO News also spoke with Mayor Brown Tuesday afternoon.
Brown said the city rejected the proposed housing project because it would have required a 30-year rent-to-own stipulation for potential home buyers.