Vandalism at the new Bills stadium site led to $150,000 in damages, halting work until Friday. A $100,000 reward is offered as investigations begin.
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — 2 On Your Side is learning new details regarding the vandalism at the construction site of the new Bills stadium that happened over the weekend.
Erie County Public Works Commissioner Bill Geary tells WGRZ the vandalism is believed to have happened sometime between the night of Feb. 13 and the morning of Monday Feb. 16. In total, 300 people who were on site during that time will need to be questioned as part of the investigation. As of Thursday, investigators with the sheriff’s office are still on scene, taking photos
We’ve also learned that the damages total $150,000. Some of the worst was found in the suites, where a blue, oil-based spray paint was used on unfinished marble, which soaked into the surfaces. Geary also notes that despite this setback, Stadium construction is moving ahead, and the hope is to be finished in early June or July.
Work on the stadium is expected to resume on Friday morning. Gilbane | Turner, the construction company overseeing the stadium project, announced that there’s a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Three hundred trades people will be interviewed regarding vandalism.
Gilbane | Turner, said in a statement Wednesday night that there is zero tolerance for vandalism.
“We suspended work because the people who come to this jobsite deserve to work in an environment that reflects respect and professionalism,” the company said. A spokesperson for the company added, “When that standard is violated, we address it and take the time to reset expectations. That is who we are and how we operate. Gilbane | Turner maintains zero tolerance for graffiti, vandalism, or any behavior that undermines the respectful and supportive environment we expect on our projects.”