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

The fate of a mixed-use project Uniland Development Co. wants to construct at one of the town's best-known intersections has been determined by the Amherst Town Board.

The board approved a rezoning request from Uniland, which wants to demolish an oil change and auto repair shop at the corner of Main Street and Youngs Road to make way for a two-story, 20,000-square-foot building.  It will include first-floor retail and eight to 10 apartments on its upper floor. The property sits across Youngs Road from Erie Community College's Amherst campus.

Uniland has been working on development plans for the parcel since early winter, including hosting several meetings and informational sessions with nearby residents.

"What we are proposing is a direct result of those meetings," said Therese Hickok, Uniland spokesperson. "Our plan plays off the fabric of the village (of Williamsville)."

Hickok said Uniland hopes to sign several local retailers for the building's first floor. No leases have been signed.

"This will be a market-driven project," Hickok said.

Construction likely won't start until later this year, at the earliest. The time frame will be determined by receiving all the necessary municipal approvals, as well as tenant negotiations.

The property neighbors a parcel along Main Street that Uniland has owned for the past few years.

A possible multi-story, 60,000-square-foot office building may be constructed there, depending on negotiations with prospective tenants.

Hickok said Uniland officials are confident the apartment component at Main and Youngs will be successful.

"We've seen a demand there," according to Hickok.