UPDATE: The city has taken action to stabilize the porch as neighbors wait for a more permanent solution.
Marcia Buhl has lived on Ashland Avenue in Buffalo's Elmwood Village since 1985.
"I would say it's a vibrant neighborhood of people who just enjoy city living and have a sense of comradery," says Buhl.
But for the past two years, life on Marcia's block of Ashland Avenue has come with an asterisk.
"It's sad, it's disappointing, it's an eyesore," says Buhl.
Marcia is talking about the condition of the property next door. She tells 7 News that the home at 350 Ashland Avenue was purchased by a developer in 2022 and work to restore the property has fallen short leaving the porch in alarming shape.
"It's scary," said Buhl standing on her porch looking next door. "You don't know if you walk down the steps that the whole porch is going to collapse in front of you. It looks imminent."
Buhl says she contacted the City of Buffalo several times about the issue before finally contacting Niagara District Council Member David Rivera. Rivera met with concerned neighbors in front of 350 Ashland on Thursday.
"It just poses a risk to anyone that walks by it. You have work material there," said Council Member Rivera.
After seeing the property Rivera reached out to the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. And while 7 News was there he received a call back from Deputy Commissioner Kevin Gould.
"He informed me that the contractor and inspector Mike Beebe will be meeting here tomorrow and that work should begin soon," said Rivera.
The update was music to the ears of Buhl, and a step in the right direction for her neighbors.
"It's renewed my faith in city government," said Buhl. "The fact that Councilman Rivera could talk to the people involved and get some action here quickly. I won't hold my breath. I will wait until tomorrow to see if they are really here. It would be great news."
