Bill > A01595

This bill enacts the "City of Buffalo Historic Preservation Receivership Act," which provides a specialized legal mechanism for addressing abandoned and neglected buildings in Buffalo, New York. The legislation allows parties with a direct interest in a property (such as residents, nonprofit organizations, or city authorities) to petition the Buffalo Housing Court to appoint a receiver to take control of and rehabilitate buildings 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 lack of occupancy, absence of active marketing, code violations, and potential public safety hazards. When a receiver is appointed, they have broad powers to manage the property, including collecting rent, making repairs, borrowing money, and potentially selling the property, with the primary goal of bringing the building back into compliance with municipal codes and preserving its historic character when applicable. The receiver must develop and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, submit regular status reports to the court, and prioritize the involvement of nonprofit corporations or governmental entities in the restoration process. The legislation also provides protections for property owners by allowing them opportunities to contest the receivership and potentially regain control of the property if they can demonstrate they will address the underlying issues. Ultimately, the bill aims to combat urban blight, preserve historic buildings, and revitalize neighborhoods in Buffalo by creating a structured, court-supervised process for addressing severely neglected properties.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1595