Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo's Commissioner of Permits and Inspections says she's concerned about funding for inspections. Cathy Amdur says the city doesn't get state funding for lead abatement like Erie County does.
Amdur says the Proactive Rental Inspection program was launched during the pandemic in 2020 to to conduct outreach, education, and inspections that did not violate pandemic restrictions at the time.
"So far, in just the first 6 weeks of 2024, the PRI division has performed 138 inspections and issued 46 Certificates of Rental Compliance. Overall, since the start of the program, 4,765 inspections have been performed and 415 Certificates have been issued," says Amdur.
Amdur says the program will cost the city $2 million a year to meet the defined goal. She notes the city does not get funding to address lead concerns like Erie County does from the state.
"New York State Department of Health gives Erie County millions of dollars, including $1.4 million this year, to inspect housing for lead paint hazards and cite owners," notes Amdur.
Amdur wants her department to continue to be part of the solution working with other agencies and partners, "but we can't be the whole solution."
