BUFFALO TO FINE LANDLORDS WHO TOLERATE DRUG USE

BUFFALO - Police officials and three city judges announced a new
get-tough policy aimed at Buffalo landlords who tolerate drug activity.

Owners will receive a registered letter when a drug arrest is made at
a residential property, officials said. If an owner fails to start
eviction proceedings within 10 days, city officials will take the case
to court. That could lead to eviction, as well as a $5,000 fine for
the owner.

Deputy Police Commissioner Robert Chella said eight people were
recently arrested at four houses following complains of drug dealing
from neighbors. The next morning, the suspects were back in the
houses. "It frustrates the community because they think a problem is
gone once we make the arrests, he said.

The legal basis is the Bawdy House Law dating back to the early 1900s
that was used to close brothels. It allows a landlord to evict a
tenant involved in an illegal activity. If the landlord fails to act
then other parties may demand eviction.

"I think in many instances there's a fear factor involved with many of
the land lords," City Judge James McLeod said.