Jose De la Cruz, a Paterson homeowner, is facing numerous issues due to an abandoned property located next to his home at 887 Madison Ave. The dilapidated state of the neighboring house has led to problems such as cracked and leaking walls, mold, and rodent infestations in De la Cruz’s own home. Despite several attempts to contact the city’s inspector’s office, the situation remains unresolved.
De la Cruz turned to his brother-in-law, Javier Garcia, for assistance when rodents began entering his home through the crumbling property. Garcia recalls a harrowing incident where a raccoon fell through the ceiling onto a child’s bed. The deteriorating condition 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.
Now, city officials are taking action to address the situation. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh has announced that community improvements, code enforcement, and the Department of Public Works will be inspecting the property. The possibility of condemnation of the property is being considered, 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.