Benderson Set to Finalize Boulevard Mall Purchase Soon

UPDATE: Benderson Development Co. is on track to finalize its purchase of the Boulevard Mall from owner Douglas Jemal within the next few weeks, marking a pivotal moment in the long-anticipated revival of this fading shopping center in Amherst, New York. This transaction is expected to pave the way for significant redevelopment plans aimed at transforming the mall site.

URGENT NEWS: Eric Recoon, vice president of Benderson Development, has not disclosed specific plans for the site, which first opened in 1962 as Western New York’s inaugural suburban enclosed shopping mall. However, the imminent purchase is crucial as the Amherst Town Board is set to vote on Monday regarding a formal partnership with Benderson Development that will influence the future of the Boulevard Mall.

The urgency of this matter escalates with the town’s planned takeover of the mall site via eminent domain, according to Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa. This move is designed to facilitate the establishment of a vibrant town center, although Benderson’s commitment to the previous redevelopment strategy laid out with Jemal remains uncertain.

The anticipated demolition of the Boulevard Mall could commence shortly after the purchase is finalized, as the town seeks to revitalize the area and breathe new life into a declining retail landscape. Local residents and businesses are eager to see plans materialize, given the mall’s storied history and its role in the community since the 1960s.

WHAT’S NEXT: As voters prepare to make a decision on the partnership, all eyes are on Benderson Development to reveal its vision for the site. Community members are urged to stay informed as this developing story unfolds, promising substantial changes for the Boulevard Mall and its surrounding area.

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