THREE DEVELOPERS EXPRESS INTEREST IN CONVERTING AMHERST MOTHERHOUSE INTO HOUSING FOR SENIORS

Buffalo News,   March 11, 1999  by Jay Rey

      Three developers have expressed interest in converting the historic St. Mary of the Angels motherhouse on Mill Street in Amherst into some type of senior citizen housing.

       In November, Amherst asked developers across the state for ideas on what to do with the four-story building, which the town is purchasing from the Sisters of St. Francis.

       The developers who responded -- one local and the others from Rochester and Syracuse -- have indicated interest in buying or leasing the motherhouse from the town.

       Amherst officials and engineers will review the replies, set some guidelines for redeveloping the notable building and ask the developers to submit more detailed plans, Supervisor Susan J. Grelick said.

       "They'll all be asked to submit formal proposals, and we'll probably have each one of them come before the Town Board," Ms. Grelick said. "We'll determine who we want to negotiate with based on the proposals."

       The developers are:

       Peregrine Cos. of Syracuse, which proposes purchasing the motherhouse to provide an "enriched housing facility for a frail senior population."

       Catholic Health Systems of Western New York would operate the facility. Housing and services would cost occupants $1,400 to $1,800 per month.

       Zaepfel Development Co. of Williamsville, which would purchase the motherhouse for some kind of senior citizen housing. A retirement community or a continuing-care facility are two options, said William J. Coughlin III, a town senior engineer assistant familiar with the proposals.

       DePaul Community Facilities of Rochester, which would purchase or lease the building to provide "a mix of market-rate and affordable apartments for area seniors, as well as space for supportive services."

       But the $5 million purchase of the motherhouse and the surrounding 90 acres still hasn't been settled.

       Amherst, which is paying half the $5 million, has signed a contract with the Sister's of St. Francis and put down a $50,000 deposit.

       But that contract hinges on $2.5 million promised last May by Gov. Pataki to help turn the rest of the property into Amherst State Park. A final agreement for the state funding should be approved in coming days, Town Attorney Phillip A. Thielman said.