The town of Tonawanda board held a public hearing Monday night to discuss the future of the old NRG Huntley plant.

The town wants to take control of the site that was shut down in 2016. Board members say the possible acquisition would maintain access to vital water resources on the property's grounds.

They say the building has sat vacant for too long, becoming an eyesore.

"We're protecting against plight, we're looking to use the site for economic development purposes, and we're also looking to use it for public purposes and access," said Mark Romanowski, Town of Tonawanda Outside Council.

Reps for NRG Energy say the site is currently being cleaned up and the town is undermining their efforts to sell the property by stepping in.

"We have contracts in place for the water, longterm contracts in place to continue to provide the water so we don't even understand why they're having this proceeding," said David Knox, NRG Energy spokesperson.

The town says it will not take any action until next year, but will allow public comments in writing until December 31st.