Council weighs requiring proof of financial responsibility after Saint Anne�������s fire
September 15, 2026 | Buffalo City, Erie County, New York
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Councilmembers discussed a proposal to require owners of vacant or blighted properties to demonstrate financial responsibility before the city undertakes demolition.
A council sponsor cited the March and subsequent fires at the Saint Anne's property and said demolition cost estimates could be as high as "$2,000,000 to demo it." He said municipalities that require owner financial responsibility have methods to ensure the city is not left with large bills and urged consideration of a similar approach in Buffalo.
The sponsor said this measure aims to protect city finances and ensure owners take responsibility for insurance or other proof of financial capacity before the city assumes demolition costs.
A council sponsor cited the March and subsequent fires at the Saint Anne's property and said demolition cost estimates could be as high as "$2,000,000 to demo it." He said municipalities that require owner financial responsibility have methods to ensure the city is not left with large bills and urged consideration of a similar approach in Buffalo.
The sponsor said this measure aims to protect city finances and ensure owners take responsibility for insurance or other proof of financial capacity before the city assumes demolition costs.
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