To the surprise of few, residents of the neighboring Park Lane Condominium have sued over City approvals to construct a 23-story condo tower on Gates Circle. Uniland received permission to construct the luxury building in early October. The News has the maddening details after the jump.
Neighbors Sue to Block Condo Tower
Richard J. Lippes, the Buffalo attorney who represents the condominium owners, said that, for “a number of strong reasons,” an environmental study should have been conducted before action on the plan for the site, next-door to the Park Lane Condominiums.
The 40-page suit reiterates several issues raised by Park Lane residents since Uniland unveiled plans last year for the longtime restaurant property. They claim the building — which would be Buffalo’s tallest residential structure — would block sight lines, sunlight and air flow to their 10-story complex.
The residents also claim the tower’s facade — a mix of bronze and glass panels — would cause “super heating” of their brick building and adjacent parking lot.
The suit also charges the sleek, modern tower would diminish the historic character of their building and the entire neighborhood, which includes the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Chapin Parkway.
“The Park Lane Condominium building is a registered landmark, and the Olmsted parkway system also has historic standing. The scope and architectural style of the Uniland tower are completely out of context with the neighborhood,” Lippes said.
The lawsuit, which seeks to void the site plan approval and bar any construction at the site until a full environmental assessment has been conducted, has been assigned to State Supreme Court Justice Kevin M. Dillon. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 24.
May it be quickly dismissed.