Grand Island resident urges action as Seneca Nation seeks land trust review

Edwin Shep Junior told the Grand Island Town Board that a 207‑acre parcel sold to the Senecas could be placed into federal trust and urged residents and local officials to prepare written comments during the review period.

"The Seneca Nation will request for the land to be added to the federal land trust," Shep said, noting that a notice to local governments will prompt a 30‑day review when community leaders can make statements about how the change would affect taxes and the town's ability to inspect or approve construction. "Once it's in the trust, we won't be able to go back. That land will not come back."

Shep warned that the town could lose the right to tax the property and that taxpayers could shoulder additional costs for police, fire and schools if services extend to the land. He urged residents to submit written comments during the 30‑day review period and said he is available to provide documentation and testimony.

Board members acknowledged the concern and said they are monitoring the purchase and the federal review process. Councilman Garcia said the board is "well aware of all of the steps that need to be taken and we are watching this very carefully."

No formal board action was recorded on the sale during the meeting; the item was raised during the public comment period. The board advised residents to follow the federal notice and submit comments during the review window if they wish to register local impacts or objections.