Buffalo Business First: Rural village emerges as Western New York's next development hotspot
Buffalo Business First shared an article detailing the ongoing project Wetzl Development has in Alden, New York. Currently, work is being done on senior living apartments on the site that will eventually become Black Water Acres, an upcoming program hub for The Arc Erie County New York that will expand services into that area.
“…Wetzl and his wife, Cynthia, bought 170 acres of vacant land in the village in2020 for $205,000. Though he's developed multifamily housing on a portion ofthat land, the purchase was made with the intention of donating most of theland to the Arc.
"I've been driving by this property I purchased for years," he said.
The Wetzls have two autistic sons, and Glenn sits on the board of the Arc.
He donated more than 150 acres of the land.
The Arc plans to build Black Water Acres, a site offering farming, workforcetraining and outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. Construction of themain building, which includes a program space and commercial teachingkitchen, is set to begin soon.
"We've been aggressively raising funds, collaborating with differentfoundations to bring the project to fruition," said Arc CEO Douglas DiGesare.
Long-term plans include several other buildings, including potentialcommercial spaces that could help bring in steady revenue for Arc.
"The idea is that it would become many things to many people," DiGeserae said.
The estimated cost of the total project is $26 million, with room to grow beyondthat if needed.”