Partnership looks to address abandoned properties in Niagara Falls

The City of Niagara Falls and the Western New York Law Center (WNYLC) recently announced A new partnership “to address and resolve the community’s concerns on vacant and abandoned properties.”

Mayor Robert Restaino said, “Our administration has committed formerly dormant resources to the elimination of blight in neighborhoods. This partnership with the Western New York Law Center will allow us to expand that effort to hold mortgage companies responsible for the properties they have, which are vacant and unkempt. We appreciate the Western New Law Center for their help in this effort to clean up our city neighborhoods.”

A press release stated, “With the support and resources of Mayor Restaino’s office, the WNYLC will collect complaints on vacant properties from community members, and will work with code enforcement, the Department of Financial Services, mortgagees, and servicers to address residents’ concerns, and to ensure the repair and maintenance of homes to restore neighborhoods for Niagara Falls residents.”

Kate Lockhart, program director for the vacant and abandoned property program, said, “Vacant and abandoned properties contribute to blight, crime and other issues that negatively impact our communities. Our goal is to work collaboratively with the city and other partners to find and pursue solutions for vacant properties that preserve neighborhoods and add to thriving communities. The Law Center is proud to partner with the City of Niagara Falls on such an important project.”

City of Niagara Falls residents can submit complaints directly to the WNYLC vacant and abandoned property program by phone or email to report problem properties in their community (By Phone: 716-855-0203, ext. 153; by email: [email protected]).

The Western New York Law Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides civil legal services, as well as policy advocacy and legal education. To learn more, visit www.wnylc.com.