What's next for a Grand Island eyesore

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - A building that sits off the Long Road exit of the I-190 on Grand Island has become a magnet for graffiti and a thorn in the side for lawmakers.

Grand Island Councilman Gary Roesch says, "Over 72,000 cars a day go by this facility. This is a top priority for the Town Board to eliminate this blighted building."

Built in the 1960s, the building was once the headquarters for Hooker Chemical. In the 70s, it served as headquarters for Dunlop Tire. But lately it has a new name.

MORE | The building has another perk for the potential buyer, but it's something that they wouldn't see from the outside

"I call it the Metz Building," says Grand Island Supervisor Mary Cooke.

It's named for James Metz, owner of Beauty Pools in Lancaster, who 14 years ago was one of the investors with a plan to turn this building into senior housing.

Years ago, the building was in much better shape and lawmakers helped the investors buy the property for only $400,000, including the 28-acres around it. But the senior housing plan fell apart 13 years ago.

Metz told News 4 by phone that he's been trying to find a buyer or tenant. His lawyer, Craig Slater, says his client is the accidental owner of the property because he lent money to the prior owner.

"The prior owner's project didn't go forward," Slater said. "He had to foreclose on the property to protect his investment and ever since, we've been trying to either develop the property, find a tenant, or sell it."

Metz acquired the property for about $600,000, but currently online his sale price is $1.5 million. Why is Metz attempting to double his money if he's trying to get rid of the building?

Slater explains, "It's the difference between asking price and it was probably more than that, we've also had caring costs."

Buyers have come close but have been scared away by the cost of removing asbestos from half of the interior. If someone does take on this project, there's a million dollar state grant available for when it's brought back to market standards.

"We did a lot of work to get that money and it could go anytime if we don't have a project that's viable," says Supervisor Cooke.

The Town of Grand Island could take over this property of the landowner wasn't paying taxes for at least three years. But Metz is completely up-to-date on his taxes. He pays about $5,000 a year.

But town officials aren't entirely without recourse. A few weeks ago, they called Metz into court for failing to maintain the outside of his property. He didn't show, and sent his attorney instead, but he will have to show for another hearing this month.

Cooke says people go to jail for much less, "So he needs to keep his property in good shape."

Councilman Roesch says it may be an eyesore now, but it has potential.

"It could be such a tremendous asset if we could get somebody in here that would develop it and I'm sure that they could make money on it."