Buffalo has its share of vacant and run down houses that are becoming a nuisance to neighbors and others living nearby. According to an estimate, Buffalo has more vacant houses per capita than any other city in US expect for St. Louis.
These vacant houses have become a respite and heaven for criminals who carry out their illegal and prohibited activities here that often result in burning and straining fires causing problems and further expenditures on various state departments to keep them intact. These vacant houses also slow down the investment in nearby areas that is badly needed for progress. Now with mutual decision, it has been announced that these houses would be demolished in the next 5 years.
However, the estimate that was initially planned for demolition of these vacant houses has risen considerably. This rise in cost is due to presence of asbestos that needs careful handling to prevent asbestos exposure. The estimate for demolition of these asbestos contaminated houses is coming to $16, 040 per house. This is 31% more than the actual cost that was estimated to tear down these houses. It is because asbestos handling needs careful handling and machinery so that it can be removed without posing any health risk to people working on the site and living here.
However, the mayor of the city has promised to take care and spend more money if needed for safe removal of asbestos from these houses.
