Bill > S00640

This bill enacts the "City of Buffalo Historic Preservation Receivership Act," which provides a legal mechanism for addressing abandoned and neglected historic properties in Buffalo, New York. The legislation allows parties with a direct interest in a property (such as local residents, nonprofits, or city authorities) to petition the Buffalo Housing Court to appoint a receiver to take control of and rehabilitate properties that have been vacant for at least 12 months and meet specific criteria indicating neglect or abandonment. The bill defines detailed conditions for what constitutes an abandoned property, including factors like code violations, public nuisance status, and lack of maintenance. The receiver, who may be a nonprofit organization or competent entity, is granted comprehensive powers to manage, repair, and potentially sell the property, with a focus on preserving historic architectural features when applicable. The process includes provisions for notifying property owners, giving them opportunities to remedy conditions, and establishing a structured approach to rehabilitating or potentially selling the property. The bill aims to address urban blight, preserve historic buildings, and provide a legal framework for revitalizing neglected properties in Buffalo, with specific protections for property owners and clear guidelines for the receivership process.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S640