NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — Michael Slota has lived on Cudaback Avenue in Niagara Falls his whole life. He was born in the home across the street from where he and his wife now live, but lately there has been an issue on his block that hits close to his home.
"Been a wonderful neighborhood, except we got a few problems," said Slota, referring to the house next door.
The house that Slota lives next to is a duplex that's almost 100 years old.
"The place is just a total wreck," explained Slota, who said he sees people going into the structure. "I worry about fire definitely."
A local man who helps the out-of-town landlord told 7 Problem Solvers that tenant who lives on the side closest to Slota's home is in the process of being evicted. He said that tenant is in court, but the home is not empty.
"People are sneaking in, sneaking out," said Slota. "We smell pot, we smell weird smells. I don’t know what else to do."
Slota also said the duplex has had garbage piles outside, which has attracted rodents. Some of the garbage has been cleaned, but empty bottles and cans remain on the lawn.
"I have to live next to this, and my way of life is really upsetting," explained Slota. "I have family that come over, and said I should move...Why should I have to move because of this? It should have to move."
When 7 Problem Solver Michael Schwartz went to Slota's home, he saw many broken windows from the top to bottom, and sheets over windows and doors. One side of the duplex has a wooden board over the door.
"We've called the city, councilmen, the neighbors have tried," explained Slota. "I'd like to see the place boarded up."
Schwartz contacted the City of Niagara Falls, and a city spokesman said the city's hands are just about tied since this is a private property owned by a landlord based in New York City.
Slota said he has called the police in the past when he saw people inside. A city spokesman said police have been to the duplex multiple times, at least twice just this month, but found no one inside or any signs of people staying there.
Schwartz then got in contact with the landlord. The landlord said previous tenants weren’t paying rent, which has led to legal issues, but he looks to clean up this house "soon."
The landlord said he has been having trouble getting in touch with the local man who helps with the property. The next day that man called Schwartz to explain that the duplex has had, "two really bad tenants."
He said the side closest to Slota's home was boarded up about a month ago, but he doesn't know who took those boards down. The other side was boarded up months ago, and remains that way. The landlord's employee said the owner will be able to gain legal access to the home around April 10, to hopefully clean it up then and get new people moved in.
7 Problem Solvers will continue to follow this story for updates, but for now, if you have an issue you need help solving email Michael at 7ProblemSolvers@WKBW.com
