"40 years ago this week:
One of the lengthiest trials in the history of Western New York was underway in New York State Supreme Court.
It involved the proposed dome stadium in Lancaster which was supposed to serve as a new home for the Buffalo Bills.
In 1969, Erie County agreed in principle with developer Edward Cottrell to build the indoor, multi use stadium along with a theme park and hotel complex on land bounded by Genesee St., Harris Hill Rd., Walden Ave., and Story Rd.
However, as cost estimates for the project rose, the county shifted gears and decided on an open air stadium in Orchard Park for about one-third of the cost of the dome stadium complex.
Cottrell sued for breach of contract, seeking more than $400 million in damages,. and setting off a near two decade long legal battle.
After it took 14 years for the case to get to trial, the trial itself lasted 42 weeks and concluded with Cottrell being awarded $53 million. However, after another five years of appeals, the county finally paid Cottrell $10 million, concluding the case after 19 years."
What could have been.