Fight over proposed Buffalo Police gun range on East Side moves to the courts

Key Takeaways:

• Two lawsuits challenge Buffalo’s approach to the indoor gun range project.
• The facility is proposed for 379 Paderewski Drive on the city’s East Side.
• Plans include converting the former Matt Urban Community Center into a training facility.
• Plaintiffs claim violations of city and state regulations.
• The fate of the project now rests in the courts.

Background of the Proposed Facility

Plans for an indoor gun range and police training facility have been placed at the fore of Buffalo’s development news. The proposed site at 379 Paderewski Drive on the East Side was once home to the Matt Urban Community Center, and officials have been considering ways to repurpose the building to meet public safety needs.

Details of the Lawsuits

A pair of lawsuits contend that the City of Buffalo “did not follow city and state regulations” when greenlighting the gun range project. According to the complaints, the process lacked sufficient review and may have overlooked important steps required by law. The legal challenges underscore the high stakes for both Buffalo law enforcement and local residents.

Significance to the East Side Community

Local residents have expressed varied opinions about the gun range and training facility. Some see it as an important development for police readiness, while others are wary of potential noise, safety, or environmental impacts. Although details from the lawsuits remain limited, the controversy has placed the neighborhood at the center of the debate over how police facilities are approved and constructed.

Next Steps in Court

The ultimate outcome of the legal disputes will depend on the courts’ interpretation of city and state regulations. As the process unfolds, questions persist about whether Buffalo officials adhered to the necessary guidelines. For now, those who support the project, as well as those opposed, will continue to watch closely as the legal arguments move forward.