Residents who live in the Piotr Stadnitski Gardens senior apartment building in Buffalo told 7 Problem Solvers there has been ongoing issues for months.
“This is a dump,” said Christine Barnes. “This is ridiculous!”
According to City of Buffalo inspection records, the Christmas blizzard caused pipes to freeze and burst. That resulted in damage to the first floor.
Seven months since then, the flooring in the main entrance lobby remains torn up and unfinished. There are divots across the floor, which seniors have to walk over just to get out of their building.
“I’m tired of living this way,” said Nancy Reeves, who first called 7 Problem Solvers.
7 Problem Solver Michael Schwartz visited the building at 100 Beck Street, and noticed the uneven flooring in the lobby. It continues into the laundry room, and community room where weekly bingo used to be held.
“The tiles on the floor are ridiculous, I mean you could trip,” said Barnes. “[Management] doesn’t care, they don’t have to live here.”
“I don’t feel safe in this building no more,” said Betty Steele. “I fell twice.”
Schwartz called Piotr Stadnitski Gardens, and was told that a manager would call him back. Three weeks went by without a word from the company, until a spokesperson returned a phone call. She said the 7 Problem Solvers report has "pushed the team to make quicker decisions." She added this statement:
"On behalf of management, we would like to provide an update regarding the situation at PSG following the change in management on January 1, 2023. At the time of the transition, the property was still recovering from an ice storm, and we immediately collaborated with the previous management and insurance adjuster to address the urgent remediation needs. However, the city delayed the permitting process until April 2023, further impeding progress.
Unfortunately, during the arrival of contractors to commence repairs, a setback occurred when all materials, supplies, and tools were stolen from the site. PSG deployed an on-site courtesy officer available from 12:00pm to 7:00am daily to address security concerns, combat criminal activities, and supporttheresidents.
Subsequently, a plumbing issue arose in June, causing a sewage pipe backup spillage that required rectification before repairs could resume. Nevertheless, we are actively urging the existing contractor to expedite the work and simultaneously obtaining bids from backup contractors. We expect to complete all renovation work within the next 30 days.
As the management office continues to undergo construction and office equipment is replaced, we have established a temporary workspace for the Assistant Property Manager in the community room at PSG. Information regarding the alternate office location at Riverview Manor can be found on the office door and community bulletin boards.
We remain committed to resolving these challenges and ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of our residents at PSG.”
The City of Buffalo's Commissioner of Permits and Inspections, Cathy Amdur, said the issues weren't being fixed fast enough at the beginning of 2023. A few month ago the case was written up for housing court. There are two electrical permits, and one repair permit. Court proceedings will occur in the coming months.
In the meantime if you have a consumer problem, email Michael at 7ProblemSolvers@WKBW.com.
