ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, the general contractors for the new Buffalo Bills stadium project, suspended construction on the project on Tuesday to investigate an incident.
There was no activity at the site all day Wednesday — an unusual experience for folks who live and work nearby.
"It's very quiet. You do not hear the construction crews. You don't see the vehicles," said Darlene Zlotok,a waitress and bartender at Danny's South on Abbott Road, located across the street from the new stadium site.
"None of the cranes are working. None of the bulldozers are. I mean, there's no workers here whatsoever," said Matwijow, the owner of Hammer's Lot, a popular private parking lot adjacent to the stadium construction.
In a statement to 7 News, Gilbane-Turner said it received a report of what could have been perceived as a symbol of hate at the site.
Viewers tell 7 News that the object appeared to be a noose which is a racist and threatening symbol of lynching.
The suspected hate symbol was reported to police, the on-site work was suspended through Wednesday and an investigation was launched. Gilbane-Turner said the initial investigation found it was not a symbol of hate.
You can read the full statement below:
“Yesterday we received a report of what could have been perceived as a symbol of hate on our construction project.
We immediately reported the incident to the police, suspended work on-site, and launched an investigation to send a clear message about how seriously we take this matter. We do not tolerate any act of bias or hate.
An initial investigation found that this was not a symbol of hate.
Gilbane|Turner maintains zero tolerance for racism and hate. We will continue to collaborate with our trade partners and unions to make it clear to every person on site the importance of having a work environment where all people feel welcomed, respected, and safe.”
According to Orchard Park police, an officer responded and filed a report. Police said at the time of the report, there was no indication that any criminal activity was involved and the report was filed for record only.
Police said there would be no further criminal investigation after Gilbane-Turner's internal investigation found that it was not a symbol of hate.
Empire State Development said Gov. Kathy Hochul was briefed on the incident.
"New York State takes all allegations of racially motivated hatred seriously and the Governor appreciates the swift measures that were taken by the construction companies, the Buffalo Bills and the local police to investigate this matter."
