Buffalo Mayor: 4,000 jobs are at stake

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Mayor Byron Brown couldn't convince enough lawmakers to support a land transfer to HSBC.

So what does this mean for thousands of Queen City jobs?

Brown says about 4,000 city jobs are at stake.

So Thursday, he is trying to convince Buffalo lawmakers to change their minds, and approve a deal he says needs to pass right now.

Brown said, "I'm very fearful that the bank could walk, but as a leader I'm not going stand by and allow this to happen."

Brown says HSBC bank needs to know now, if they will have land here in Buffalo to expand.

"The transfer of Webster block is part of a master plan for redevelopment of our waterfront," said Brown.

But, Brown did not persuade enough council members Wednesday to pass a land transfer agreement.

"Five members of the City Council voted to kill jobs in Buffalo today," said Brown.

So now he's calling Buffalo Common Council members back for round two.

Brown said, "I'm going to give them 24 hours notice and I'm going to call them back Thursday or Friday."

News 4 questioned HSBC's Vice President of Public Affairs about their plans and whether there's an actual deadline.

Neil Brazil, Vice President Public Affairs HSBC North America said, "I can't comment on any of that. All I can say is we've got a number of options under review."

"What was conveyed to us today is that HSBC is not setting any artificial deadline," said Buffalo Common Councilmember Mickey Kearns.

One thing the majority agreed on is to draft documents, needed to transfer 1.9 acres of land to Erie Canal Harbor Development.

Some lawmakers say that would facilitate the banks expansion.

But the Mayors says 7 acres of land is needed for the whole deal to work.

Now sources tell News 4 HSBC is considering other sites to expand. Two of those sites are possibly in Amherst.

Statement released by HSBC:

“As part of standard business practice, an RFP process is currently underway to review how HSBC's future real estate requirements in Buffalo will best be met. The company is currently looking at a range of options, one of which is to maintain the status quo. As part of our review, we are talking to a number of stake-holders on time sensitive matters to help us make an informed decision. A public announcement will not be made for some time."