The Mighty O’Ba Sports Report: New Stadium and the Hidden Orchard Park Development Plan
By Pat Freeman, The Mighty O’Ba
Pat Freeman, The Mighty O’Ba
When the ownership group of the professional franchise stated that it was cheaper for the organization to build a new open-air stadium in Orchard Park, most of us just shook our heads.
Just a few weeks ago, Erie Community College stated that they would be closing the south campus in search of a more suitable facility. It became obvious that there is a plan to develop that entire area into a Buffalo Bills development. There was no viable way that they would build a one trick pony stadium with 11,000 less seats if they were not privately working on a development deal with even more tax breaks that will benefit a circle of people of their choosing.
It is just funny how in every NFL city except Western New York, these types of plans are introduced after they have divided up the financial benefactors which normally excludes those who are not part of a certain circle.
Now I know most of you think I have some inside trac to this information, but that is far from the truth. This is the same old Western New York playbook with a little expansion plan, so people of color do not feel left out. The sad thing is that all any of us have ever asked for is a fair share of economic opportunity.
Once again Terry Pegula continues in his inheritance of the practice of segregated economics because who just has never tried to stop the status quo here other than a winning football program? I am sorry, but Western New York is one of the worst economic cities that has an NFL franchise because the NFL playbook of purchasing influence continues to influence policy.
I have mentioned the ECC South campus development to several elected officials, and not one of them has stated “no plans are being made”! The one thing I have learned over the years is how people of color are left in the dark of economic opportunity, and that as long as you are not part of the process, fairness will never be achieved.
Unfortunately, Terry Pegula is one of the worse owners in the National Football League in demanding fairness for all in a region that has an NFL franchise. The whole mantra of this organization, top to bottom, is geared toward one sector of the community. He has never tried to expand the fan base of the Buffalo Sabers since taking over ownership of that franchise either.