Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The lights are out at Hostel Buffalo Niagara after city inspectors went to shut off electricity. The director says she was told of a fire hazard, resulting in the cutoff.
Katherine Pessecow says she was shocked when city inspectors arrived Wednesday afternoon.
Pessecow says there are still travelers inside, including one in a wheelchair. She says there is also food and perishables inside.
Pessecow believes this began in 2017, when she tried to purchase the building, and again in 2019.
"We've been developing a plan with Sam Savarino and we've been making progress with it. So in one sense, I guess this is just a continuation of a longer narrative," said Pessecow in an interview with WBEN.
The city had given her until April 15 to close up on its own in preparation for repairs to an adjacent building that the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) had said would threaten the hostel's safety.
Hope Young-Watkins, Senior Director Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency & BURA Leadership, issued the following statement to WBEN:
“The bid advertisement for construction work on 664 Washington Street was published on April 1 with walk-throughs set for today. The Hostel was made aware that walk-throughs were taking place.
"The City of Buffalo Department Permit and Inspection Services conducted a review of the structure, noticed a safety issue with the electrical system, and called in National Grid. National Grid independently advised BURA of imminent danger and required that the electricity be disconnected.
"BURA is working to make accommodations for existing occupants. The construction process will proceed as planned. BURA remains committed to making the structure safe for continued use."