 |
| Search |
|
|
|
|
Editorials
An abandoned Harris Hill home scheduled for demolition had the Lancaster Town Board approved a June 2nd resolution set to do just that, was purchased by an Orchard Park man with the intent to rehab the house and sell it for profit.
According to Joseph Maciejewski, Erie County Director of Real Property Tax Services, the Harris Hill property was purchased this past week for $42,000. The purchase price will pay for the $26,000 in back taxes and for 2008 county, town and school taxes as well.
The purchaser has already removed the lumber boarding the doors and windows, pumped out the basement, had NYSEG turn on the electricity and has guaranteed the county that, “in thirty days you won’t recognize the building.”
He has also visited the Town Building Inspector’s office to denounce a letter that was sent to the county describing the deplorable condition the house was in, that it was structurally unsound and unsafe, and should be condemned.
According to the purchaser and county representatives that visited the site on there occasions, the house was nowhere in stated bad shape as not to be rehabbed.
Maciejewski petitions board for 30-day extension
Maciejewski appeared before the Lancaster Town Board on June 2, 2008 to petition them to table the demolition resolution for 30 days. He informed the board that he serves as president of the Erie County Tax Certificate Corporation, a local development corporation that the county uses to sell its tax liens to.
Maciejewski then declared that the county is asking for an opportunity to sell the property and is asking the town to hold off on the demolition of the Harris Hill house to “allow the county to foreclose on the property and offer it for sale on June 25th.”
He informed the board that the county would like to have a successful bidder at foreclosure time who buy and rehab the house and put it back on the tax roles. Said Maciejewski, “There would be a stipulation that the buyer would have to close in 30 days and immediately begin to remedy all code violations within 30 days after closing.”
“If we don’t sell the property on the 25th, take it down the next day,” said Maciejewski. “But I believe we will have bidders and be successful in the process.”
Maciejewski made good on his promise and in doing so all back taxes, and present taxes, will be paid and the property will go back of the tax rolls.
June 2nd demolition resolution vote
Town Clerk Johanna Coleman polled the board for their vote on whether the home should be demolished immediately:
Councilman Abraham: YES
Councilman Amatura: NO
Amatura had made it clear in the work session that he favored granting Maciejewski an extension.
Councilman Ruffino: YES
With a statement that as a Town Board member that although he understands the tax implications expressed by Maciejewski he has been watching this building for some time and has seen it get worse and votes “yes.”
Councilman Stempniak: NO
With a statement that although being torn in having to make a decision, she would like to see the property returned to the tax rolls. Doesn’t want to see anyone harmed and doesn’t see the harm in giving the county a month’s time to sell the property at a foreclosure auction.
Supervisor Giza: NO
Before casting his vote, Supervisor Giza asked Fichtner (neighbor next door) whether he had a problem with waiting another month to allow the county an opportunity to sell the property at auction and have it rehabbed.
After saying, “What they think they are going to do, they are not going to do,” Fichtner gave several reasons for his claim. He stated that as bad as the outside is, the inside is worse. “Six years I’ve had to live with this. If someone were to purchase this house, I will go to a real estate agent to sell my house.”
“This could go to court, you know,” Giza said to Fichtner.
After several seconds of delay, Giza uttered, “It’s a tough one.” After another long delay, he rendered his “no” vote.
Supervisor Giza was relieved this week to hear of the purchase of the Harris Hill house. “I’m glad to here it bought, that it will be rehabbed and that it will go back on the tax rolls. I guess we made the right decision."
It was indeed!
Afterthoughts
Neighbors of the abandoned Harris Hill house stated on several occasions that they had been in the house and seen the mold, unsafe stucture issues, disrepair, etc. Isn't that trespassing?
The Building Inspectors office stated they had locked the doors and were the only one with the keys. Why was the door boarded by the Recreation Department? When the boards were removed, the doors were still locked.
© Copyright 2008 by Speakupwny.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
Editorials
Latest Headlines
|
|
Buffalo NY Web hosting By OnLineMedia, Inc
www.olm1.com
Part of
www.onlinebuffalo.com
[where: 14206]
|