Jose De la Cruz, a homeowner in Paterson, is facing issues such as cracked walls, leaks, mold, and rodents that he believes are a result of blight in the adjacent abandoned property connected to his home. He is concerned for his family’s health and safety due to the condition of the neighboring property at 887 Madison Ave. The front and backyard of the abandoned property are covered in trash, overgrown shrubbery attracts wild animals, and homeless individuals sometimes sleep on the porch.
After reaching out to the city’s inspector’s office multiple times, De la Cruz sought help from his brother-in-law, Javier Garcia. They are worried about the impact the abandoned property is having on their family’s health and safety, with rodents even entering their home. Garcia shared an incident where a raccoon fell through the ceiling onto a child’s bed. They are eager to improve the appearance of their own home, but the neglected neighboring property is devaluing the entire neighborhood.
De la Cruz has tried to address issues of rainwater entering his home due to the condition of the adjacent property but has not been successful. In response to the situation, city officials including Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh have indicated they will take action to assess and possibly condemn the property. If necessary, they will work to clean up and secure the property to enhance the quality of life for residents in the neighborhood. The city is prepared to take steps such as seizing the property if needed to address the blight and safety concerns in the area.