fix buffalo today, archive

At the city’s auction, last October, no one purchased 76 East Utica, 1464 and 1470 Michigan Avenue. These three building are just a block away from the school. The city had the opportunity to take possession of these properties and much to my chagrin, did so. Perhaps, I’m wrong and I hope that I am yet I always thought that the last owner was responsible for the demolition. I’ll check with Steve Pollowitz for some clarification on this ownership/demo rule. I though it was sort of like that game, “hot potato.” You just don’t want to get caught being the last person holding it when the game is over. If this is the case, doesn’t it diminish our position –city’s- with respect to the cost of ownership, i.e., demolition cost?

Again, I hope I am wrong in my understanding of the laws impacting the owning of real property. Maybe, it would be a better idea with a larger upside for us –the city - to pursue owners of derelict property, get a judgment, if they are not going to pay the upfront cost of the demolition. In this situation the city wouldn’t be the responsible party for the demolition fees.

I would very much appreciate knowing more about this and perhaps present alternative financing plans. Maybe there are alternatives which would allow the city to shorten the expanding demolition list and save money, too by having the people who owned the property just prior to the demolition pay.

Good news….Inspector Mike Sheiber told me this afternoon that these three city houses, 76 East Utica, 1464 & 1470 Michigan Avenue were “bid” for demo yesterday and will be gone from the urban landscape in 45 days! This picture of 76 East Utica, and above, shows the east side of the building and grounds owned by Mr. Simmons and his funeral business at 66 East Utica. The small red flags and recent site work indicate utility work in anticipation of the demolition.