Common Council approves deal with Douglas Development to revitalize Mohawk Ramp

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Buffalo Common Council voted Tuesday to approve a deal with Douglas Development to revitalize the Mohawk Parking Ramp and the area around it, a city spokesperson told WIVB News 4.

Developer Douglas Jemal is giving millions of dollars to the city for the multi-year project, which will roll out in phases. The first phase is to fix the parking ramp to open up over 580 spots immediately.

Other phases include developing new apartments in the area, building more parking decks and creating more commercials space.

"The great thing about that project is Mr. Jemal is willing to forfeit any tax incentives that he's eligible for and reinvest them in the City of Buffalo," acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said. "You don't see that happening too often, you don't see people lining up at city hall to do development projects where they're going to forgo their tax exemptions. This is the second time he's now done it and I hope, quite frankly, that other members of the developmental community will follow suit and contribute back to the City of Buffalo the way he is."

Construction could start as early as this year.