Paterson homeowner Jose De la Cruz has been dealing 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. He believes that tearing down the abandoned property and starting from scratch is the only solution to the problems he’s facing.
Despite multiple calls to the city’s inspector’s office, the situation remains unresolved. 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.