By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

The need for more parking at the FBI's downtown Buffalo headquarters is prompting the building's developer to ask city officials to close off a little-used street.

Developer and gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, through his Ellicott Development Co., wants a portion of Staats Street closed so 31 parking spaces can be created for the FBI. The Buffalo Planning Board will consider the request during its Aug. 17 meeting.

If approved, the proposal will give the FBI 65 parking spaces for its downtown Buffalo building.

"Simply, they need more on-site parking," Paladino said. "It's important they get some dedicated parking spaces along Staats Street."

Located a block west of Buffalo City Hall, the street is virtually unused except for those using the Buffalo Fire Department headquarters. Most of the parking along the street is used by fire department officials.

"There's enough room there for the fire department and the FBI," Paladino said.