Buffalo sues to halt the Seneca Nation's gas station on Miami Street; the Nation says the land is sovereign and outside city control
Buffalo is suing in state and federal court to stop a Seneca Nation fuel station at 5 Miami Street, saying the site is still under city rules. The Nation says the land is sovereign and construction will continue.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
The City of Buffalo sued in New York State Supreme Court on October 7, 2026, to halt construction of a Seneca Nation fuel station and convenience store at 5 Miami Street in the Old First Ward. On October 8 it asked a federal court to vacate the Interior Department's 2023 decision placing the 3.8-acre site in restricted-fee status. The city says the land was not bought with Seneca Nation Settlement Act money and remains subject to city zoning, permits and environmental review. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca says the site is sovereign Seneca land and that construction will continue.
Read the full background
According to the city's federal complaint, the Seneca Nation bought the Miami Street parcel from its own gaming corporation in a deed recorded in November 2022 and asked the Interior Department on or about December 21, 2022, to hold it in restricted fee. The department approved the request on February 14, 2023. The complaint says restricted-fee status places land under federal protection and bars its sale without federal approval. The city argues the 1990 Seneca Nation Settlement Act covers only land bought with the settlement's appropriated funds, which it says the Nation spent on its Niagara Falls and Buffalo casino sites under a 2002 gaming compact, apart from $5 million set aside for housing. The city says it did not receive a copy of the decision until September 28, 2026. President Seneca says the city acknowledged the restricted-fee status in writing in 2023.
The city describes the project as a 28-bay truck stop and fuel depot and says site work has already disturbed potentially contaminated soil near the Buffalo River. It says the project needs a building permit, a traffic study, a special-use permit, a use variance and environmental review. Spectrum News reported that the Nation plans a Seneca One Stop fuel station and convenience store, a Nativa Cannabis dispensary and space for a food tenant. The Nation says the project will not be a truck stop.
The city sent a letter on September 28 demanding that work stop by September 30. President Seneca held a press event near the site on October 1, and the Nation says the city posted a stop-work order on October 6. The federal complaint names the Interior Department, Secretary Doug Burgum, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland and the United States. The city says the complaint tracks a federal suit the Town of Grand Island brought on the same issues.
People in this case
Sean RyanDirectly involved
Timeline
7 timeline entries on this page. Dates: February 14, 2023 to October 8, 2026
February 2023
Interior approves restricted-fee status for 5 Miami Street
Incident
The Interior Department approves the Seneca Nation's request, made on or about December 21, 2022, to hold the Miami Street parcel in restricted fee under the Seneca Nation Settlement Act, according to the city's federal complaint.
[01]City of Buffalo
The city's 19-page complaint under the Administrative Procedure Act against the Interior Department, Secretary Doug Burgum, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland and the United States, asking the court to vacate the department's February 14, 2023, decision placing 5 Miami Street in restricted-fee status.
City of Buffalo v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-02275 (W.D.N.Y.), complaint (Dkt. 1) · City of BuffaloComplaint, paragraphs 1-33
September 2026
City demands that the Seneca Nation stop work at the site
Buffalo's Corporation Counsel writes to President J.C. Seneca demanding that the Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation stop construction at 5 Miami Street and confirm by September 30 that work has stopped, or the city will sue.
[02]City of Buffalo
City of Buffalo press release announcing a letter from Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi demanding that the Seneca Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation stop work at 5 Miami Street by September 30, with statements from Mayor Sean Ryan and Council Member Mitch Nowakowski.
Mayor Ryan Demands Seneca Nation Halt Construction Activity at Miami Street Site · City of BuffaloFull release[03]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the city's cease-and-desist letter and the Seneca Nation's response that the site is sovereign land.
City of Buffalo, Seneca Nation at odds over proposed Ohio Street gas station · Spectrum NewsFull article
October 2026
President Seneca holds a press event near the site
Reaction
President J. Conrad Seneca holds a press event at Tewksbury Lodge, across the street from the site, and says the One Stop will not be a truck stop and is being built on restricted-fee land the Nation may use as it chooses.
[04]Seneca Nation of Indians
Seneca Nation post describing President J. Conrad Seneca's October 1 press event in the Old First Ward and a rally at Niagara Square about the One Stop project, with a video of the press event.
President Seneca Holds Press Event to Address the Seneca Nation One Stop Gas Station in Buffalo, NY · Seneca Nation of IndiansFull postCity posts a stop-work order at the site, according to the Nation
The Seneca Nation says the city posted a stop-work order at the property a day before filing its lawsuit. President Seneca says the order bears no weight on sovereign land.
[05]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the state-court lawsuit, the project's planned uses, the 2023 restricted-fee decision, Mayor Sean Ryan's remarks and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca's statement.
Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull articleBuffalo sues in New York State Supreme Court to halt construction
The city sues in State Supreme Court in Erie County, asking the court to halt construction until the Nation obtains city approvals and to declare that the property remains subject to Buffalo's land-use, tax, police and environmental laws.
[06]City of Buffalo
City of Buffalo press release announcing its New York State Supreme Court lawsuit to stop construction at 5 Miami Street, with statements from Mayor Sean Ryan and neighborhood groups and businesses.
Mayor Ryan Announces Lawsuit to Stop Proposed Miami Street Truck Stop · City of BuffaloFull release[07]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the city's state-court lawsuit, quoting Mayor Sean Ryan and a statement released that afternoon by Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca.
City of Buffalo files lawsuit to stop proposed Seneca One Stop gas station · Spectrum NewsFull article[05]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the state-court lawsuit, the project's planned uses, the 2023 restricted-fee decision, Mayor Sean Ryan's remarks and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca's statement.
Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull articleSeneca Nation says construction will continue
Reaction
President Seneca says the land is Seneca Nation land and that the Nation will keep developing it, accusing Ryan of mischaracterizing the project as a truck stop.
[07]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the city's state-court lawsuit, quoting Mayor Sean Ryan and a statement released that afternoon by Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca.
City of Buffalo files lawsuit to stop proposed Seneca One Stop gas station · Spectrum NewsFull article[05]Spectrum News
Spectrum News report on the state-court lawsuit, the project's planned uses, the 2023 restricted-fee decision, Mayor Sean Ryan's remarks and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca's statement.
Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull articleBuffalo sues the Interior Department in federal court
The city files a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York asking the court to vacate the 2023 restricted-fee decision and declare the site under city jurisdiction.
[08]City of Buffalo
City of Buffalo press release announcing its federal lawsuit challenging the Interior Department's 2023 restricted-fee decision on 5 Miami Street, with a statement from Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi.
City of Buffalo Sues Department of the Interior, Challenging the Decision on 5 Miami St. · City of BuffaloFull release[01]City of Buffalo
The city's 19-page complaint under the Administrative Procedure Act against the Interior Department, Secretary Doug Burgum, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland and the United States, asking the court to vacate the department's February 14, 2023, decision placing 5 Miami Street in restricted-fee status.
City of Buffalo v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-02275 (W.D.N.Y.), complaint (Dkt. 1) · City of BuffaloComplaint, paragraphs 1-33
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
City of Buffalo
The Seneca Nation's acquisition of 5 Miami Street does not qualify for restricted-fee status under the Seneca Nation Settlement Act because the land was not bought with the Act's settlement money.
What is disputed
The Interior Department approved the Nation's request to hold the site in restricted fee on February 14, 2023. The city's federal complaint says the Nation spent the settlement money on its casino sites under the 2002 gaming compact, apart from $5 million reserved for housing, and later bought the site from its own gaming corporation. President J. Conrad Seneca says the Nation completed the federal process and that the site is sovereign land.
Sources (3)
- City of Buffalo v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-02275 (W.D.N.Y.), complaint (Dkt. 1) · City of BuffaloComplaint, paragraphs 1-33
- City of Buffalo Sues Department of the Interior, Challenging the Decision on 5 Miami St. · City of BuffaloFull release
- Mayor Ryan Demands Seneca Nation Halt Construction Activity at Miami Street Site · City of BuffaloFull release
Disputed claim
The 5 Miami Street site is sovereign Seneca Nation land, and the City of Buffalo has no authority to stop construction there.
What is disputed
Mayor Sean Ryan says restricted-fee status is not the same as sovereignty, and the city's state-court suit asks for a declaration that the property remains subject to Buffalo's land-use, tax, police and environmental laws.
Sources (2)
- Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull article
- A message from President J.C. Seneca · Seneca Nation of IndiansParagraphs on the Seneca One Stop project
Disputed claim
City of Buffalo
The project at 5 Miami Street is a 28-bay truck stop and fuel depot.
What is disputed
The Seneca Nation says the One Stop will not be a truck stop. Spectrum News reported that the Nation plans a fuel station and convenience store, a cannabis dispensary and space for a food tenant.
Sources (3)
- Mayor Ryan Announces Lawsuit to Stop Proposed Miami Street Truck Stop · City of BuffaloFull release
- President Seneca Holds Press Event to Address the Seneca Nation One Stop Gas Station in Buffalo, NY · Seneca Nation of IndiansFull post
- Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull article
Response record
Responses
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
5 matching responses. Newest first.
J. Conrad SenecaPresident of the Seneca Nation of IndiansDirectly involved Before this statement
Seneca's message first describes a White House meeting where he raised state and local challenges to the Nation's efforts to place ancestral lands in restricted-fee status, then says diplomacy sometimes does not work and that the Nation faces hostility from the City of Buffalo over the One Stop project on Ohio Street.
"Our nearly four-acre site is sovereign land and was placed in Restricted Fee status by the Department of Interior three years ago, something that the City acknowledged in writing in 2023. Despite meeting with Sean Ryan and other City officials in person in early September to open dialogue between our governments, the City instead chose to fight the Nation over our sovereign rights on our land. I have made it clear that the proposed Seneca One Stop project will move forward and that the Seneca Nation will always fight to defend our sovereignty, our treaties, and our rights to create economic opportunity on our lands in the way we best see fit for the benefit of our people."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The 5 Miami Street site is sovereign Seneca Nation land, and the City of Buffalo has no authority to stop construction there.
Full statement and sources
In a message on the Nation's news site, Seneca says the One Stop site is sovereign land placed in restricted-fee status three years ago, that the city acknowledged that status in writing in 2023, and that the project will move forward despite the city's opposition.
After the statement
The message then turns to the opening of a wound care center at Buffalo General Medical Center.
A message from President J.C. Seneca · Seneca Nation of IndiansParagraphs on the Seneca One Stop projectWhy this label?
The reference point is the Seneca Nation's construction of a fuel station at 5 Miami Street on land it holds in restricted fee, without the city permits and reviews Buffalo says are required. Seneca defends the construction as development on sovereign land with federal restricted-fee status, blames the city for choosing a fight, and says the project will move forward.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
City of BuffaloPlaintiff, in its complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New YorkDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The city filed the complaint a day after its state-court suit. Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi said the federal filing addresses a separate legal question from that suit.
"The City of Buffalo brings this action under the Administrative Procedure Act to annul an arbitrary, capricious, and facially defective decision by the Department of the Interior"
CondemnedResponding to: The Seneca Nation's acquisition of 5 Miami Street does not qualify for restricted-fee status under the Seneca Nation Settlement Act because the land was not bought with the Act's settlement money.
Full statement and sources
The city's federal complaint asks the court to annul the Interior Department's 2023 decision placing 5 Miami Street in restricted-fee status, which it calls arbitrary, capricious and facially defective, and to declare the site under the city's regulatory jurisdiction.
After the statement
The complaint says the department decided at the Seneca Nation's request, about six weeks after the Nation applied in December 2022, and that in September 2026 the Nation revealed it planned to build a truck stop on the site without local or state approval.
City of Buffalo v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-02275 (W.D.N.Y.), complaint (Dkt. 1) · City of BuffaloComplaint, paragraphs 1-33City of Buffalo Sues Department of the Interior, Challenging the Decision on 5 Miami St. · City of BuffaloFull releaseWhy this label?
The reference point is the Seneca Nation's construction of a fuel station at 5 Miami Street on land it holds in restricted fee, without the city permits and reviews Buffalo says are required. The city's complaint attacks the federal decision on which the Nation bases its claim that the site is outside city control, and asks the court to declare the site under city jurisdiction.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sean RyanMayor of BuffaloDirectly involvedBefore this statement
The city announced that it had sued in New York State Supreme Court to stop construction of what it calls a 28-bay truck stop and fuel depot at 5 Miami Street. Ryan first says the project would have a major impact on the surrounding neighborhood, the Buffalo River and the public investments made in that part of Buffalo.
"We have a responsibility to protect those investments and the people who live, work, and spend time here. It is incumbent on us to make sure that any entity developing a project in Buffalo understands the impact it will have on the surrounding community and does its part to be a good neighbor."
CondemnedCase context: Buffalo sues to halt the Seneca Nation's gas station on Miami Street; the Nation says the land is sovereign and outside city control
Full statement and sources
Announcing the city's state-court lawsuit, Ryan says the project would have a major impact on the neighborhood and the Buffalo River and that any entity developing in Buffalo must account for that impact and be a good neighbor.
After the statement
The release says site preparation has already disturbed potentially contaminated soil and released material onto nearby properties and into the Buffalo River. The city asks the court to require compliance with municipal requirements and to halt construction until permit applications and reviews are completed.
Mayor Ryan Announces Lawsuit to Stop Proposed Miami Street Truck Stop · City of BuffaloFull releaseCity of Buffalo files lawsuit to stop proposed Seneca One Stop gas station · Spectrum NewsFull articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the Seneca Nation's construction of a fuel station at 5 Miami Street on land it holds in restricted fee, without the city permits and reviews Buffalo says are required. Ryan announces a lawsuit to stop the construction and says the developer must answer for the project's impact on the community.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
J. Conrad SenecaPresident of the Seneca Nation of IndiansDirectly involved Before this statement
Seneca released the statement on the afternoon of October 7, after the city announced its state-court lawsuit. According to Spectrum News, the statement says the land is Seneca Nation land now and forever, accuses Ryan of mischaracterizing the project as a truck stop, and says the mayor answered an invitation to meet with a stop-work order followed a day later by a lawsuit. It also says the Nation will always defend its sovereignty, its treaties and its right to create economic opportunity on its lands.
"While Sean Ryan continues his act, we will continue developing our land for the benefit of our people and creating local jobs, just as we have done with our other developments on our other sovereign lands within the city of Buffalo."
Defended or excusedResponding to: The 5 Miami Street site is sovereign Seneca Nation land, and the City of Buffalo has no authority to stop construction there.
Full statement and sources
Responding to the city's lawsuit, Seneca says the Nation will keep developing the site and creating local jobs, as it has on its other sovereign land in Buffalo, after saying it will always defend its sovereignty and treaties.
After the statement
Spectrum News notes that the lawsuit comes as the Nation and New York State negotiate a new gaming compact, which it describes as a separate matter.
City of Buffalo files lawsuit to stop proposed Seneca One Stop gas station · Spectrum NewsFull articleBuffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development · Spectrum NewsFull articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the Seneca Nation's construction of a fuel station at 5 Miami Street on land it holds in restricted fee, without the city permits and reviews Buffalo says are required. Seneca defends the construction as the Nation's sovereign right on its own land and says work will continue despite the lawsuit.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
- Sean RyanMayor of BuffaloDirectly involved
Before this statement
The city's release says it learned that crews had fenced off the site and begun preparing it for a 28-bay gas and diesel-fuel depot that the city has not approved, and that Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi wrote to President J.C. Seneca that morning demanding that work stop by September 30.
"This is not a good fit for this neighborhood, and it runs counter to the vision we have been building for this corridor for more than a decade"
CondemnedCase context: Buffalo sues to halt the Seneca Nation's gas station on Miami Street; the Nation says the land is sovereign and outside city control
Full statement and sources
Ryan says the planned fuel depot does not fit the Old First Ward and runs against more than a decade of the city's plans for the Ohio Street corridor, as the city demands that the Seneca Nation stop work at the site.
After the statement
Ryan says the city made a major public investment to turn Ohio Street from an industrial roadway into a waterfront corridor and that the city should build on that momentum. The release says the city's letter argues the property does not qualify for restricted-fee status because it was not bought with Seneca Nation Settlement Act funds.
Mayor Ryan Demands Seneca Nation Halt Construction Activity at Miami Street Site · City of BuffaloFull releaseCity of Buffalo, Seneca Nation at odds over proposed Ohio Street gas station · Spectrum NewsFull articleWhy this label?
The reference point is the Seneca Nation's construction of a fuel station at 5 Miami Street on land it holds in restricted fee, without the city permits and reviews Buffalo says are required. Ryan opposes the project, saying it does not fit the neighborhood, in a release announcing the city's demand that work stop.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(9)
Original text
City of Buffalo v. U.S. Department of the Interior, No. 1:26-cv-02275 (W.D.N.Y.), complaint (Dkt. 1)
Relevant passage: Complaint, paragraphs 1-33
About this source
The city's 19-page complaint under the Administrative Procedure Act against the Interior Department, Secretary Doug Burgum, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs William Kirkland and the United States, asking the court to vacate the department's February 14, 2023, decision placing 5 Miami Street in restricted-fee status.
- Author
- City of Buffalo
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
President Seneca Holds Press Event to Address the Seneca Nation One Stop Gas Station in Buffalo, NY
Relevant passage: Full post
About this source
Seneca Nation post describing President J. Conrad Seneca's October 1 press event in the Old First Ward and a rally at Niagara Square about the One Stop project, with a video of the press event.
- Author
- Seneca Nation of Indians
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
A message from President J.C. Seneca
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the Seneca One Stop project
About this source
President J. Conrad Seneca's regular message on the Seneca Nation's news site, covering a White House tribal leaders' meeting, federal law enforcement legislation and the dispute with the City of Buffalo over the Seneca One Stop site.
- Author
- J. Conrad Seneca
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Buffalo sues Seneca Nation to stop construction of $10M gas station development
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News report on the state-court lawsuit, the project's planned uses, the 2023 restricted-fee decision, Mayor Sean Ryan's remarks and Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca's statement.
- Author
- Nái Rhoden
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
City of Buffalo files lawsuit to stop proposed Seneca One Stop gas station
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News report on the city's state-court lawsuit, quoting Mayor Sean Ryan and a statement released that afternoon by Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca.
- Author
- Brian Campbell
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
City of Buffalo, Seneca Nation at odds over proposed Ohio Street gas station
Relevant passage: Full article
About this source
Spectrum News report on the city's cease-and-desist letter and the Seneca Nation's response that the site is sovereign land.
- Author
- Spectrum News Staff
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
City of Buffalo Sues Department of the Interior, Challenging the Decision on 5 Miami St.
Relevant passage: Full release
About this source
City of Buffalo press release announcing its federal lawsuit challenging the Interior Department's 2023 restricted-fee decision on 5 Miami Street, with a statement from Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi.
- Author
- City of Buffalo
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Mayor Ryan Announces Lawsuit to Stop Proposed Miami Street Truck Stop
Relevant passage: Full release
About this source
City of Buffalo press release announcing its New York State Supreme Court lawsuit to stop construction at 5 Miami Street, with statements from Mayor Sean Ryan and neighborhood groups and businesses.
- Author
- City of Buffalo
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Mayor Ryan Demands Seneca Nation Halt Construction Activity at Miami Street Site
Relevant passage: Full release
About this source
City of Buffalo press release announcing a letter from Corporation Counsel Rosa Alina Pizzi demanding that the Seneca Nation and Seneca Gaming Corporation stop work at 5 Miami Street by September 30, with statements from Mayor Sean Ryan and Council Member Mitch Nowakowski.
- Author
- City of Buffalo
- Published
- Accessed
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- Buffalo sues to halt the Seneca Nation's gas station on Miami Street; the Nation says the land is sovereign and outside city control
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The Dispute Index. "Buffalo sues to halt the Seneca Nation's gas station on Miami Street; the Nation says the land is sovereign and outside city control". First published: 2026-10-21. Last updated: 2026-10-21. https://disputeindex.com/cases/buffalo-seneca-nation-miami-street-gas-station-lawsuit