MAYOR MASIELLO DECRIES COMMON COUNCIL INACTION OVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE EXPANSION/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
April 25, 2000
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (4/25/00) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello today decried the Common Council's inability to approve a previously agreed plan to expand Buffalo's state Economic Development Zone. The consequence of the Council's inaction could be the loss of several new businesses seeking to either expand or relocated their operations in downtown Buffalo.

"At a time when businesses want to locate in Buffalo or expand their existing operations, it is beyond comprehension that the prospect of new and expanded businesses, with the inclusion of new employment opportunities, is being held hostage for indefensible and unreasonable conditions," stated Mayor Masiello. "This kind of inaction is sending the wrong message for potential economic development and growth. The Council's of the past embraced the prospect of economic development and helped create a favorable investment environment in Buffalo. The current Council is jeopardizing that environment."

As the Mayor noted, the Common Council in November 1999 approved the expansion of the Economic Development Zone. The Council voted 11-1 to approve the matter; Councilmember-at-Large Beverly Gray, the chair of the Council's Community Development Committee, cast the lone dissenting vote. Subsequent to the vote, a required local law certificate was drawn up for Council approval. Submitted on March 7, 2000, the local law certificate is widely viewed as a formality that validates the substantive action of the Council, which, in this matter, was achieved last November.

"No reasonable person can argue that the expansion of the Economic Development Zone and the resulting stimulation of new business opportunities is bad for the city and its citizens," continued Mayor Masiello. "I am outraged by the inaction of the Council and I call upon the Common Council President, the Common Council Majority Leader and the Community Development Committee chair to rectify this matter immediately. The fact that the members of the Common Council approved this proposed expansion last November 1999 should not be lost on the general public. Is the Council now reneging on a matter that strikes at the heart of our city's economic viability and will no doubt reflect on all future economic development prospects for Buffalo?"