Hochul sues to strip sovereign status from Seneca land, block Buffalo gas station and pot shop

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has filed two federal lawsuits challenging the Seneca Nation’s sovereign status over land in Buffalo and Grand Island. The case could determine whether the tribe can develop the parcels free from local zoning rules and property taxes, including a Buffalo site under construction for a gas station and cannabis shop.

The Department of the Interior granted the parcels restricted-fee status in 2023. The state argues the Seneca Nation Settlement Act’s acquisition funds were largely spent on casino properties, with the remaining $5 million limited to housing next to casinos or tribal land; it says neither disputed parcel qualifies. The Seneca Nation says the purchases meet federal rules and fall within qualifying historic areas. If the state prevails, local taxes and zoning would apply; if the tribe prevails, the land would remain exempt from local oversight.