Neighbors voice concerns about overgrown grass in empty Buffalo lots

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Carolyn Council lives next to an empty lot on Dorris Avenue owned by the city of Buffalo.

She has lived in her home for more than 20 years and says the grass on that lot has never been as tall as it is today.

“I worry about rats because they are everywhere,” Council said.

Tall grass provides attractive hiding places for rats, and ticks love the shade there. The council said this was the reason she was not using her garden at the moment, as it is next to overgrown land.

The grass has reached more than 4 feet in some places and lines the sidewalk on both sides.

“I’m only 4’10,” Council said.

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“I definitely saw a few rats crossing,” Jared Yost said. He lives on the other side of the wasteland.

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“It’s also pretty difficult with my dog ​​having to walk her,” Yost said.

“Lots of grass there,” said Barbara Taylor, who also lives near overgrown land on Dorris.

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Michael Schwartz of 7 Problem Solvers also visited Cornwall Avenue in Buffalo’s Masten district. It has many overgrown vacant lots that are owned by the City of Buffalo.

“We need to do things with these lots. Why don’t we do things with these lots? They don’t do much here,” Yost said.

Cathy Amdur, commissioner of permits and inspections for the city of Buffalo, told Schwartz that the Buffalo Department of Public Works has a reduced schedule for vacant lots and crews are working at Masten this week.

Amdur said, “The city lands are expected to be processed in the next 5-7 days. Private lots with grass over 10 inches receive an “order to remedy” the situation within 5 days and a summons for $75.

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