Paterson Homeowner Battles Blight: Family Health and Safety at Risk from Abandoned Property

A homeowner in Paterson, Jose De la Cruz, is facing issues such as cracked walls, leaks, mold, and rodents that he believes are a result of blight in the adjacent abandoned property connected to his home. The front and backyard of the abandoned property are covered in trash, overgrown shrubbery attracts wild animals, and homeless individuals sometimes sleep on the porch.

After reaching out to the city’s inspector’s office multiple times without receiving a response, De la Cruz sought help from his brother-in-law Javier Garcia. They are concerned about the impact the abandoned property is having on their family’s health and safety, with rodents even entering their own home. Garcia shared an incident where a raccoon fell through the ceiling onto a child’s bed. The pair is eager to improve the appearance of their own home but feels powerless due to the neglected neighboring property.

The city officials including Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh have acknowledged the issue and have vowed to take action to assess and possibly condemn the property. If necessary, they will work to clean up and secure it to enhance the quality of life for residents in the neighborhood. The city is prepared to take steps such as seizing the property if needed to address blight and safety concerns in the area.