BUFFALO, N.Y. — Tenants living in Elmwood Heights Apartments, on the corner of Lexington and Elmwood Avenue, are outraged and afraid.
In less than a month, they have to move out. The City of Buffalo condemned the apartment complex for unsafe living conditions, but the soon-to-be evicted tenants do not buy it.
"These people with these million-dollar houses. I don't care how much money you have. It doesn't buy tack. It doesn't buy class. It doesn't buy grace, and I don't get none of this," one resident said.
"We're all going to end up homeless, on the streets," another resident said.
The city contacted the property owner, but said they never got a response. In a statement to 2 On Your Side, Inspections Commissioner Cathy Amdur said, "NY state code requires the building to be condemned," calling it an unsafe structure and unfit for human occupancy.
Amdur went on to say the city hoped to work with the building's owner to address the issues, but they were not responsive.
So Channel 2 took a look at where I met Lewis. He said he's lived with the bad ceiling for a few months. Luckily, he already has a place to move, but like everyone else, they want the landlord to return a month's worth of rent or at least their security deposit.
"They just told us to be prepared and be ready to move 'cause this building is not passing inspection," Lewis said.
The neighborhood has other problems. Crime. Some people believe condemning the building is for the best. But the apartments provide homes for low-income people.
Residents told me they tried moving here across the street but got denied because they don't make enough money. They tried to meet with the Elmwood Village Association but said they were not welcome at meetings.
"We're not part of this village. That's the attitude and the comments I get walking my dog down here," one resident said.