Over one hundred City-owned properties will be on the auction block September 22. The surplus properties represent just a small fraction of the estimated 10,000 vacant properties in the city. Ninety-three residential parcels and nine commercial buildings are up for grabs predominantly on the East and lower West Sides. According to someone in the know, these are properties that have gone unsold at earlier auctions.
While most of the properties appear to be in terrible shape and may struggle to find any takers, there are a few gems on the list. Two of the properties have been previously profiled on Buffalo Rising including the Woodlawn Rowhouses (entry image) that former Council President Jim Pitts had announced intentions of buying and renovating and 204 High Street, and 288 Hudson.
The auction is scheduled for Saturday, September 22, at 9 a.m. in the Burt Flickinger Athletic Center, 21 Oak Street downtown. Property descriptions may be viewed online at:
According to the auction website, successful bidders will be required to submit a detailed repair/renovation plan and detailed cost estimate for the repair/renovation to the structure(s) purchased within 30 days after the auction. Proof of financial ability to complete the proposed property purchase and renovations is also required. The City of Buffalo may refuse to transfer title to any person who has current code violations on other properties owned by such person within the City of Buffalo.
If the purchaser is not a resident of the County of Erie, or is a corporation (wherever located), then the purchaser must designate a natural person who is a resident of Erie County as agent authorized to accept service of process, and to receive and give receipt for notices of violation under the Codified Ordinances of the City of Buffalo.
Even if you aren't interested in taking on a rehab project, browsing the list is an eye-opener. It brings clearer focus to the depth of the city’s housing vacancy crisis and why Mayor Brown is calling for 5,000 demolitions over the next five years.