By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The landmark livery stable on Jersey Street in Buffalo is safe from demolition for now. Neighborhood activists appeared with city officials and the building's owner in State Supreme Court Friday morning.
Bricks from the deteriorating 19th century structure began falling onto neighboring properties last week, forcing some homeowners to evacuate. The city ordered an emergency demolition. But neighborhood resident Catherine Herrick says the city is now working with the neighbors.
"The city has made a commitment to do everything it can to preserve the historical pieces of this building," Herrick said. "We want to make sure this proceeds quickly so that displaced neighbors can return to their homes."
State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Burns is allowing the city to move forward with what's described as a "therapeutic demolition" to stabilize the structure. For now, the city is picking up all the costs.
Herrick said engineers hired by the neighbors have put together their plan of what parts of the livery stable can be saved.
Another court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.