Lawsuit fights state money for Bass Pro

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – A Bass Pro lawsuit has been filed by a group of Buffalo business owners, economists and educators. As WBFO'S Eileen Buckley learned the suit calls to stop $35 million in state subsidies for the proposed Bass Pro outdoor store on downtown's waterfront.

The lawsuit is being led by Buffalo businessman and Calumet Arts cafe owner Mark Goldman.

"We want to have a ruling on the conditionality of the gift by a public agency to a private corporation. I understanding is that it clearly violates the New York State constitution," said Goldman.

The suit was filed in state supreme court and questions the constitutionality of $35-million in state subsidies for the proposed Bass Pro Outdoor store planned for city's waterfront.

Goldman says It targets Bass Pro, Empire State Development Corporation, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, the New York State Power Authority and various other government entities.

"We are also looking for what we believe is a conflict of interest," said Goldman.

The suit alleges that the Power Allocation board, the arbitrator for the Power Authority, violated their own guide line.

The lawsuit also argues that the State Power Authority has disregarded its own guidelines by offering a $105 million "industrial incentive award" to a project anchored by the proposed Bass Pro retail store.

Goldman believes it is unfair to provide millions to a private company, especially as local businessman struggle to support the Buffalo community with their own dollars.

Goldman said the suit was filed because the statute of limitations on appealing against Bass Pro expired Monday. He is also hoping the Buffalo Common Council refuses to transfer over land to the harbor corporation for on-going canal side development.