Water damage, security issues at Lofts at University Heights in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Our Call 4 Action team is looking into housing complaints in Buffalo’s University District — where one apartment building has a long list of issues.

The Lofts at University Heights — a project that had high hopes seven years ago when an old school on Lisbon Avenue was renovated and more than 40 apartments were put there — is facing security issues and water damage.

Some of the original tenants of the building say there’s been a slow decline of the building. Windows outside are boarded up, some of the doors can easily be opened, and the parking lot gate isn’t secure, allowing anyone to park there.

Residents there say they feel unsafe.

“At times, I drive by and it looks a little vacant,” said Masha Polk, a tenant at University Heights. “At times I’ve had people ask me were there still apartments there because they see the boarded windows or the broken doors. It’s gone down hill, and then just the quality of what we have to deal with in the building.”

She has also experienced water leaking in her apartment.

“We had to put buckets and stuff out there to catch all that, and it seems like it’s progressively getting worse, and it scares me because the weather is getting better and we’ll probably get more rain,” Polk said. “The snow is melting, and I’m just fearful that that is going to cause more leaking or even mold and mildew in the apartment.”

The issues have caught the attention of a local lawmaker.

“From what I understand, there’s been a lot of theft of packages and things of that nature and right now, the fact that they don’t have an on-site property manager is another issue,” said Council Member Rasheed Wyatt.

He sent a letter to Shinda Management in New York City who owns the property. Wyatt is requesting that the company appear at an upcoming council meeting for answers on what’s going on.

Shinda Management has had violations at other properties in the City of Buffalo as well.

A maintenance employee told a tenant that the roof will be fixed at some point in time, but we’re still working on getting details on that.

A city spokesperson issued this statement: “The Department of Permits and Inspections has no open violations at Lofts at University Heights. The last complaint, received on May 14, 2024, was addressed by management. A full inspection on June 17, 2024, confirmed the building was in good condition with no major code issues. Outstanding matters, including a backordered sprinkler gauge and custom replacement windows following a fire, are being addressed. Roof leaks were repaired within 72 hours. The department remains committed to ensuring safe housing and encourages residents to report any concerns.”

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Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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