It appears as if Benderson has entered into an agreement with Kaleida that would see the sale of high-profile property located on historic Gates Circle. That plot of land (see red numbers) is where a two-storey building is being considered that would be of mixed-design, housing a Walgreens on the first floor, offices on the second, and parking in the rear. Apparently, the zoning would have to be changed from residential to commercial if the plan was to move forward, although other reports state that the buildings are already zoned commercial. Walgreens tried for another parcel back in ’06 between Gates Circle and Delavan and was shot down at the time.
50 Gates Circle is owned by Gates Circle Development Corporation. According to neighborhood residents, Benderson is also looking to buy 40 Gates Circle and a building housing an AFLAC office at 54 Gates Circle.
I spoke to Councilman Mike LoCurto regarding the plan, and he told me that the news had just been conveyed to the surrounding block clubs. “Benderson has not filed anything yet,” he told me. “It’s going to be an uphill battle given the historic nature of the circle. Any rezoning would need Zoning Board and Planning Board approval. I’ve heard rumors of this project for a couple of months, then late Tuesday afternoon Benderson called and set up a meeting for yesterday morning. That’s when I reached out to the block clubs and the reaction was largely negative… more like, “No way in hell.”
The parcel in question would require purchase of additional properties fronting the circle, along with the Kaleida-owned parking lot.