Scanlon proposes former Braymiller Market as temporary police station

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Braymiller Market is no longer at 225 Ellicott St., but there soon may be a new tenant on a temporary basis -- the Buffalo Police Department.

According to a lease agreement filed by the City of Buffalo on Monday, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon is looking to use the former grocery store as a temporary police station for up to one year. Buffalo's B District station -- currently located at 695 Main St. -- is set to undergo sewer and interior renovations.

The proposal said that the owner of the former Braymiller Market -- 225 Ellicott Street LLC -- has agreed to charge the city $1 in rent. The proposal also said that the owner will continue seeking a sale for the property while it is used as a temporary police station.

According to the proposal, the city would save roughly $800,000 as a result.

As part of the agreement, the city would host three employment transition sessions at City Hall for former Braymiller employees.

The Braymiller Market closed earlier this month. The closing came 17 months after Braymiller received more than $500,000 in COVID-19 relief funds from the Buffalo Common Council in July 2023. It was the only grocery store downtown.