Cost Neutral to the Town?
Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa said the following shortly after he was elected in 2018 regarding the Westwood property,
"The goal is to be able to develop a park that is as close to cost-neutral to the town as possible," the supervisor said in his outline.
What does “cost-neutral” mean to you? The same as a politician? Probably not.
Per Law Insider, “Cost neutral means the cost is not higher than the revenue it generates.”
How is Brian Kulpa holding up so far to his statement? Well, so far the nearly $8 million loan to buy the land at Westwood, with interest would be around $12 million. The only possible revenue currently at the property is a $2-4 thousand dollar per month lease agreement with Northtown car dealerships, expected to end soon. Since then, Brian Kulpa has also voted yes to bond $11 million dollars plus all interest expenses which could total $11-$18 million costs to the town. This bond is to construct a theater for MusicalFare’s nearly exclusive use for 30 years, with a $1 per year lease agreement and 33% construction principal payment. All revenues from the theater tickets and operations are that of MusicalFare, not the town.
So far this estimate totals about $30 million in cash costs to the town of Amherst for a return of $3.3 million. So far that is no where near a cost-neutral project for the town of Amherst and tax payers.
Since Brian Kulpa’s public statement of cost-neutrality, Kulpa has led the project proposal to a minimum total of $45+ million, before interest expense, maintenance, & without cost projections on remediation cleanup to the land or restoring the clubhouse. In fact, very little to almost none of the $45+ million proposal includes athletic park like amenities, no pickleball courts, no additional tennis courts, no specified costs towards playgrounds, bike trails, walking trails, etc. What the costs do go towards according to the budget are for construction of new buildings, new roads, & bizarre desires like to physically move 10+ structures/buildings'/houses from 8-10 miles away at the current Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village on the historic Erie Canal, and plopping them next to Sheridan Dr., residential homes, and with livestock.
Brian Kulpa said he hopes Westwood to be a cost-neutral park? So far, it is a cost intensive construction plan at the tax payers expense for a single company’s use, as of April 6, 2024.
Conclusion, Brian Kulpa is not a credible person.