Scanlon: BURA denies loan forgiveness for Braymiller Market

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced Thursday night that the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency voted to deny a request for loan forgiveness from the former Braymiller Market.

After opening in 2021, the Braymiller Market received $561,000 in COVID-19 relief funds in 2023. As part of the loan, the market was required to meet a certain employment threshold and stay open for two years after being granted the money — but it closed in December 2024.

Last month, the store’s owner, Stuart Green, asked the agency for loan forgiveness — which was rejected by BURA.

“As a result of mounting financial liabilities on Braymiller Market, today the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency’s (BURA) Loan Committee voted to deny a pending request for loan forgiveness and will issue a letter of default, contingent on the sale of 225 Ellicott St.,” Scanlon said in a statement. “With the recent decision of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) to revoke Braymiller Market’s PILOT agreement, the outstanding tax implications and financial strain on the property owner will very likely result in a sale or foreclosure.”

“Since BURA holds the third position for repayment of pending financial claims, the property must sell for more than $6.56 million for any owed debts to be paid. That is very unlikely due to the original high purchase price and current market conditions.”

Last month, Our City Action Buffalo (OCAB) called on the city to hold Braymiller accountable for the full amount of the loan.

“We are encouraged that the loan committee found that Braymiller Market defaulted on its loan from the city by closing one year into its two-year agreement,” OCAB said in a statement Thursday night. “We trust that the board will heed the committee’s finding and authorize collection of the loan so that these $561,000 can be repurposed to improve food access for Buffalonians in need.”

Located on Ellicott Street, the project was a focal point of former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown’s plans for downtown. Scanlon has cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the leading cause for its closure.

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