By Mark Williams:
The court date was set, the violations were cited and the corrective actions were stipulated, but the fate of 102 Johnson Park remains in the hands of Charles Dobucki who has, ironically, listed the property for $94,500 (see Part 1).
Though, reported to be in Charles Dobucki's possession since 1994, the property was refinanced in 2003 but yet this once grand Italianate sits forgotten and forlorn for reasons known only to the owner while simultaneously frustrating the surrounding neighborhood.
In an attempt to keep the spotlight focused on this building, I would like to offer my services, as an independent building inspector, to Charles Dobucki. I ask that he allow me to conduct an interior inspection so that I may present my results to him and any individual interested in purchasing this property. This diplomatic approach will allow any potential homeowner to more fully understand the amount of renovation required to turn this unique house into a home.
At this writing, my exterior observations are positive in so much that the roof appears to remain uncompromised, windows remain intact, and the back entry remains secure. However, the damaged front entrance is an open invitation for further destruction as a single piece of plywood will not prevent access to anyone who wishes to further violate this property.
My speculation or perhaps wishful thinking is that the interior has been spared the worst case scenario as the water service had been turned-off during the summer months. Admittedly, any remaining water in the pipe lines may have frozen but with no water pressure combined with a certain amount of evaporation may have spared the building any significant water damage.
The other water-related concern is the buildings heating system, which is probably provided by a hot water boiler, but this is all a moot point without access to the building.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal to Charles Dobucki's sense of fair play and ask that he accept my offer, which will only aid him in selling this property. If not, I would suggest he drop the asking price to the assessed value of $68,000 as architecturally significant homes are a labor of love and the residents of the Johnson Park community are not-so-much the owners as they are the current caretakers of these unique pieces of Buffalo's history.
Mark Williams 716-778-8057
View image
The court date was set, the violations were cited and the corrective actions were stipulated, but the fate of 102 Johnson Park remains in the hands of Charles Dobucki who has, ironically, listed the property for $94,500 (see Part 1).
Though, reported to be in Charles Dobucki's possession since 1994, the property was refinanced in 2003 but yet this once grand Italianate sits forgotten and forlorn for reasons known only to the owner while simultaneously frustrating the surrounding neighborhood.
In an attempt to keep the spotlight focused on this building, I would like to offer my services, as an independent building inspector, to Charles Dobucki. I ask that he allow me to conduct an interior inspection so that I may present my results to him and any individual interested in purchasing this property. This diplomatic approach will allow any potential homeowner to more fully understand the amount of renovation required to turn this unique house into a home.
At this writing, my exterior observations are positive in so much that the roof appears to remain uncompromised, windows remain intact, and the back entry remains secure. However, the damaged front entrance is an open invitation for further destruction as a single piece of plywood will not prevent access to anyone who wishes to further violate this property.
My speculation or perhaps wishful thinking is that the interior has been spared the worst case scenario as the water service had been turned-off during the summer months. Admittedly, any remaining water in the pipe lines may have frozen but with no water pressure combined with a certain amount of evaporation may have spared the building any significant water damage.
The other water-related concern is the buildings heating system, which is probably provided by a hot water boiler, but this is all a moot point without access to the building.
In conclusion, I would like to appeal to Charles Dobucki's sense of fair play and ask that he accept my offer, which will only aid him in selling this property. If not, I would suggest he drop the asking price to the assessed value of $68,000 as architecturally significant homes are a labor of love and the residents of the Johnson Park community are not-so-much the owners as they are the current caretakers of these unique pieces of Buffalo's history.
Mark Williams 716-778-8057
![Selling [ Off ] Buffalo](http://www.buffalorising.com/assets_c/2011/02/Central-Art-deco-Buffalo-NY-thumb-145x145-18060.jpg "Selling [ Off ] Buffalo")
Mark,
Admire the passion, but I disagree with you on the price. Even if this house needs 50k, 95k is a very reasonable asking price for this neighborhood. There are wonderful homes that can get 200k or more when done right.
The FMV per zillow indicates what the man is asking
I agree with what you are saying but I am appealing to Charles DoBucki for the individuals who had approached me while I was simply photographing the house. Several of the individuals had a keen interest in the house but not the immediate funds for a total rehab.
After twenty-years, I have finally completed my own home renovations.
However, if by some stroke of luck, there is someone able to flip the cost all in one swoop, please step to the front of the line.