Neighboring Property a Hazard
I recently purchased a home next to an obviously abandoned (and looks like condemned) property. Boarded up, falling down and left to rot. I love old things as much as the next person, but it is beyond repair and I worry about the possible hazards it poses to my own property–such as fire. I have…
I recently purchased a home next to an obviously abandoned (and looks like condemned) property. Boarded up, falling down and left to rot. I love old things as much as the next person, but it is beyond repair and I worry about the possible hazards it poses to my own property–such as fire. I have heard that repeatedly complaining to the city can help to have the building removed if the owner does not take responsibility. Does anyone have any experience on how and where to log complaints or any other way to get it removed? Thanks!
DOB has a few levels of issuing violations and can sometimes come back to haunt you. HPD will only come in at the request of DOB. First what you need to do is get an opinion from a proffessional engineer and you can take it up to DOB to compel them to do an inspection but you neer know what DOB will do,
Be very careful what you complain about. I’d consult with an engineer/expeditor. Is there any way you could get him in to see the property?
The risk you run is that the DOB condemns the building and, at the same time, issues violations or worse on your building as well. Read the recent threads on the situation of 329 & 331 Mac Donough St. Then go and look at the DOB site for the building next door to the problem building and see the violations!!!!
I would start with 311, HPD and so on. There is a landmarked building down the street. The owner is pissed that he cannot do what he wants and let the property go. The city made him fix it up properly as no one lives there.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects
aren’t these the types of questions and concerns you should having *before* buying the property next door? just wondering.