Depew trustees authorize demolition of three unsafe buildings; notice and public hearings required

At its April 14 meeting the Village of Depew Board of Trustees unanimously approved three separate resolutions authorizing the demolition of properties the village's code enforcement officials have declared unsafe: 72 South Bellevue Avenue, 29 South Warsaw Street and 163 Keefer Avenue. Each resolution sets out the finding that the building is unsafe, requires notice to owners and requires the board to hold a public hearing at least five days after notice is served; the village will charge demolition expenses to the land and assess, levy and collect those costs.

The resolutions rely on findings set out under Village Law as cited in the motions: the board recorded that the supervising code enforcement officer prepared reports concluding the buildings meet the statutory definitions of unsafe structures. The stated conditions included damage by fire or other causes, dilapidation or decay that renders structures unfit for human habitation, inadequate light/air/sanitation, violations of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention…