The Buffalo Common Council voted to authorize the placement of a lien on the property located at 377 Main Street, also known as the AM&A’s Building, following the completion of emergency vault repairs performed by the City. This decision comes in response to the property owner’s failure to address dangerous structural issues that posed a significant threat to public safety and if unpaid, could lead to foreclosure on the property.
The Department of Public Works, Parks, and Streets (DPW) initially issued a notice to 377 Main Realty, Inc., the record owner of the property, on May 15, 2018. The notice required the owner to submit plans to address the deteriorating underground vault and an active petroleum spill on Washington Street by May 18, 2018. Despite the urgency, the necessary corrective measures were not completed in a timely manner.
Due to the ongoing public safety hazard and the owner’s failure to resolve the issues, the City was forced to step in. In May 2021, the DPW issued a Request for Proposals for the emergency vault repair, which was completed in August 2021 at a cost of $682,296.45. The repairs allowed Washington Street to be reopened to vehicular traffic and removed the blighting influence on the surrounding area.
Despite repeated attempts to secure payment from the property owner, no reimbursement has been received. As a result, the Council has authorized the assessment of a local lien on the property to recover the full cost of the emergency repairs.
“The Common Council’s unanimous decision to authorize this lien is a necessary step to protect the City’s financial interests and ensure that property owners are held accountable for maintaining their properties in a manner that safeguards public safety,” said Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski. “This action reinforces our commitment to the well-being of our community and the responsible management of city resources.”
The lien remains in effect until the full amount is repaid and will be added to the general tax roll, carrying the same legal weight as property taxes.