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Redevelopment authority declares 616 Wayne Street blighted, gives owner 60 days to show progress
Summary
The Erie Redevelopment Authority adopted a resolution authorizing condemnation of 616 Wayne Street but allowed a 60‑day window for owner Emmanuel Lopez to demonstrate rehabilitation work. The board voted to proceed after prior attempts to coordinate failed and an appraisal showed no market value.
The Erie Redevelopment Authority voted to adopt Resolution 0926 authorizing acquisition through eminent domain for the property at 616 Wayne Street, a home the authority has previously declared blighted. The motion passed after the board agreed to allow the owner a period to demonstrate rehabilitation before any formal court filing.
Aaron Snippert, the authority’s executive director, told the board the blighted-property review committee and the planning commission had already designated the site as blighted and that staff had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to meet with the owner. Snippert said staff mailed an appraisal showing a $0 valuation and requested a voluntary deed in lieu to shorten the process. Jeremy Toman moved the resolution and a fellow member seconded it; the board recorded the measure as approved by a 4–0 vote.
Emmanuel Lopez, the owner of 616 Wayne Street, addressed the board during public comment and apologized for delayed communications, saying he has been recovering from medical issues while working on the house. "I plan on, having it done within the end of this summer," Lopez said, describing incremental repairs to the exterior, basement and upper floors. Under the board’s action, staff and counsel said they would wait up to roughly 60 days before filing formal condemnation paperwork, and the board indicated it would rescind the authorization if Lopez provides satisfactory proof of progress before any notice is filed.
Board members also reviewed the property’s history in their discussion: the blight designation dates to 03/13/2024, the owner purchased the property on 07/19/2024, and fire calls to the address were recorded on 12/07/2025 and 01/10/2026 (with a subsequent call on 01/15/2026). The board framed the vote as a step taken reluctantly to protect neighborhood conditions while preserving an opportunity for the owner to complete rehabilitation.
