Property owner threatening to destroy historic house

BUFFALO - The owner of a historic house is ready to reduce it to rubble in a dispute with city preservation officials.

Alfred Coppola said the 2 1/2-story structure built for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition is his only leverage as he battles the Preservation Board over recent decisions, including its denial of an awning for a friend's restaurant.

“I'm not threatening, I'm trying to highlight my concerns with the city of Buffalo,” the former state senator and city councilman said Friday, a day after appearing before the board for a demolition permit.