Paterson homeowner Jose De la Cruz is struggling to cope with a range of issues stemming from an adjacent abandoned property. The dilapidated state of the neighboring home has led to cracked, leaking walls, mold, and rodent infestations in De la Cruz’s own home. Despite multiple attempts to address the problem with city officials, he believes that tearing down the abandoned property and starting from scratch is the only solution to his problems.
The abandoned property at 887 Madison Ave. is covered in trash and overgrown shrubbery, attracting wild animals and sometimes serving as a spot for homeless individuals to sleep. Despite repeated calls to the city’s inspector’s office, no action has been taken. De la Cruz sought help from his brother-in-law, Javier Garcia, after rodents began entering his home through the dilapidated property. Garcia recounts a terrifying incident where a raccoon fell through the ceiling onto a child’s bed.
The deteriorating state of the adjacent property not only poses health risks to De la Cruz’s family but also devalues his own home. Despite efforts to repair the damage caused by leaks and other issues, the problems persist. City officials are now stepping in to address the situation. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh states that community improvements, code enforcement, and the Department of Public Works will inspect the property. Condemnation of the property is a possibility, and steps will be taken to ensure that residents in the neighborhood do not have their quality of life compromised. If necessary, the city will take action to reclaim the property from its owner.
De la Cruz hopes that tearing down the abandoned property will solve all his problems but fears it may be too expensive or too complicated for him to achieve on his own.
Despite these challenges, De la Cruz remains determined to improve his living conditions and protect his family’s health from potential hazards associated with living next door to an abandoned house.
As Paterson continues its efforts towards community development and improvement, it is crucial for officials like Mayor Sayegh to address such issues promptly before they escalate into bigger problems for both residents and taxpayers alike.
In conclusion, while tearing down an entire house may seem daunting for some people like Jose de la Cruz who has experienced serious issues stemming from an abandoned neighboring house; It is essential for authorities like Mayor Andre Sayegh in Paterson City Council members work together towards making sure their communities are safe and healthy for everyone who lives there.
