Building repairs continue months after Buffalo DPW vehicle crash

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Nearly a year ago, a City of Buffalo Public Works Department truck crashed into a business and building on Niagara Street. The truck narrowly missed a child.

WATCH: New documents shed light on City of Buffalo DPW vehicle crash, driver began ‘passing out’

New documents shed light on City of Buffalo DPW vehicle crash, driver began ‘passing out’

Michael Malesky owns the building the truck crashed into at Niagara and Austin streets. He said he was on the other side when the truck crashed last summer.

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“I was in total shock,” Malesky said. “I heard a huge noise. I came this way and found the truck in the building.”

Malesky showed 7 News’ Kristen Mirand the $100,000 worth of damage to the building and what he did to repair it. He also said he contacted the city to see what they could do to help reimburse him.

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“You’ll turn around and you’ll notice something else. Maybe daily or weekly. It’s like I didn’t notice it moved? It’s been pretty distressing,” Malesky said.

Malesky said the impact of the crash was so severe that it shifted the building to the left. He said he installed supports on the ground to keep the structure stable.

The accident also impacted Family Auto Sales of Western New York. Mirand spoke with the owner in April and learned the damage cost his business about $40,000. The dealership’s insurance company is now suing the city of Buffalo.

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Last month, Mirand obtained documents from the Buffalo Police Department through a Freedom of Information request to learn more about the crash. Documents show Harris was driving with a revoked license due to insurance issues. He told police he did not drink, take illegal drugs or use his phone while driving the city-owned vehicle.

A police report also states that Harris began “passing out” while driving, causing a crash.

SEE: New documents shed light on City of Buffalo DPW vehicle crash, driver started ‘passing out’

Meanwhile, Malesky is looking for a contractor to help him piece together a building that has been in his family since 1975.

“It’s quite unexpected. I could handle most of the rest, but it’s beyond my capabilities,” he said. –