Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.
Boulevard Mall tenants move out for good as property eyes redevelopment
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AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - It has been an emotional day for businesses at the Boulevard Mall -- many of which are closing up shop after years of being open.
Leaders want to redevelop the mall into a commercial and residential town center.
According to several tenants at the Boulevard Mall, they were recently given 30 days notice to get out and that's what News 4 crews have seen play out over the weekend and on Monday.
"The mall gave us a very short notice of when we needed to move and we only have until tomorrow, April 30th to get out of here. We really just had to pack up everything today and get going because they're going to be locking all the doors," said Jenny Ly of Elegant Nails and Spa.
Much of the mall is empty with stores already closed, but for the ones who have stayed, Monday was moving day. Some stores have other locations to go to, others do not. News 4 spoke to one tenant who's been there for 13 years.
"It was sudden. We could not find any place to move, so all of this stuff is going to go in the basement or garage. We are in trouble," said mall tenant Kashif Meer.
On Monday, News 4 heard from kiosk operators, a nail salon, and a clothing store. They spoke to us about how disappointed they are.
"I got a 30 days notice; we're going to lose the place. I have no job, I have to stay home for I don't know how long, but it will be a long time to suffer for me," another mall tenant said.
The state has given the Town of Amherst $31 million to redevelop the mall into a town center with hundreds of residential units, restaurants and retailers. Anchor stores like Macy's and Dick's Sporting Goods are still here.
News 4 has attempted to contact Douglas Development, but have not heard back.