Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo lawmakers Tuesday took a significant step toward eminent domain for two blighted properties on South Park Avenue in the city's historic Cobblestone district.
The Buffalo Common Council has approved the findings and determination statement supporting eminent domain for the buildings located at 110 and 118 South Park Avenue. The Buffalo Common Council voted to approve the findings and determination on Tuesday, March 7, 2023.
Lawmakers say the public hearing and review process revealed that the properties had been neglected by their owners, leading to their current dilapidated state. The City of Buffalo has decided to acquire these properties in the health and safety interests of the residents.
“The structures at 110-118 South Park are a blight on the Cobblestone Historic District that are impairing the area's potential for economic growth. Acquiring these properties is both the right thing to do, and necessary to preserve this district. There is a substantial public benefit to this procedure,” said Fillmore District Council Member Mitchell P. Nowkowski.
According to the city, the owners of the properties, specifically Darryl Carr, failed to properly maintain, preserve, or improve them. Lawmakers say the owners have resisted the city's efforts to preserve and maintain the properties, which impaired the economic development of the Cobblestone Historic District and constitutes a safety risk to pedestrian traffic due to lack of lighting, and other factors.
Lawmakers took the action, saying acquisition of the properties will relieve blight, enhance economic development, and eliminate the safety hazard posed by these buildings.
The decision supports proceedings of eminent domain at 110 and 118 South Park Avenue in the Cobblestone Historic District, lawmakers say, and will ultimately serve the public interest by restoring and preserving the historic and cultural significance of these properties for future generations.
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