Central Park Plaza to receive makeover

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - What has been considered an eye sore to many in the area will soon become a centerpiece for redevelopment in Buffalo's Central Park Plaza neighborhood.

Friday, Mayor Byron Brown and other officials announce that Strickler Development bought the 27 acre Central Park Plaza for $800,000 Thursday.

"The Central Park Plaza has been a problem property for years. I'm excited that the Strickler Development Group LLC stepped forward to purchase this long neglected sight. This is great news for the surrounding neighborhood and City of Buffalo," says Mayor Brown.

Louis Ciminelli, President & CEO of LPCiminelli, released this statement about the purchase:

“I have great affinity for the Central Park neighborhood. The history of our company began there 50 years ago and we moved our corporate headquarters back in 2009. I want to thank Mayor Brown and his entire team as well as other local officials who have been very supportive through the process of acquiring the property.”

“Our short-term plans are to environmentally remediate and secure the site,” continued Ciminelli. “After that we will then consider our options for the highest and best use of the site that makes economic sense and that fits the surrounding community and the city overall. We will have a lot of conversations with the community on what those development plans could be.”