The ZOMBIES Initiative is a collaboration between the Western New York Law Center’s Vacant and Abandoned Property Department and the Erie County Clerk’s Office. Our goal is to hold mortgage servicers accountable and find solutions to blight in communities caused by Vacant and Abandoned houses. A ZOMBIE home is defined as a vacant and abandoned home with a delinquent mortgage.

When our team receives complaints from the community, we take the following steps to best determine how we can find a solution. We research the property to find out if there is a mortgage and to identify the responsible parties. If there is a mortgage, we file a complaint with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) who oversees complaints about vacant homes and relays concerns directly to the mortgage servicer. We continue to follow up with DFS and the mortgage servicer to ensure that the property is brought into compliance. While we receive and respond to hundreds of complaints about vacant properties across Erie County, we have chosen to maintain a list of priority properties so that we can focus our efforts.

DISCLAIMER: The ZOMBIES Initiative acts as a tool and resource for community members and municipalities. We do not make policies or legal decisions regarding Zombie homes. Our goal is always to help facilitate solutions to blight, and this work is not possible without the cooperation and participation of the community, local officials and municipalities.

1. Daisy Place, Buffalo 14208

Property Concerns: Yard debris, damaged porch, overgrown grass and weeds, peeling paint, collapsing garage.

Date Added to Priority Property List: February 2023

Municipal Contact: Sean Myers, Housing Inspector

Mortgage Servicer: PHH Mortgage Corporation

Mortgage Servicer Contact Information:

P.O. Box 66002

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: 800-210-8849

2. Weimar St, Buffalo, NY 14206

Property Concerns: Exterior walls deteriorating, windows damaged, gutters need to be replaced, foundation issues, peeling paint (lead paint concerns), debris/garbage,

Date Added to Priority Property List: October 2023

Legislator Contact: Tim Meyers

Mortgage Servicer: Key Bank National Association

Mortgage Servicer Contact Information:

Attn: Client Resolution

P.O. Box 5788

Cleveland, OH 44101

Phone Number: 1-800-422-2442

3. Goodrich Rd Clarence Center, NY 14032

Property Concerns: fascia and soffit need repair, gutters falling off, peeling paint, door/window need replacing, rust removal, foundation issues, walls collapsing, roof and flashing need repair, leaking roof, interior water damage leading to interior wall collapse

Legislator Contact: Christopher D. Greene

Local Official: Patrick Casilio

Mortgage Servicer: PHH Mortgage

Mortgage Servicer Contact Information:

P.O. Box 66002

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: 800-210-8849

4. Porter Ave, Buffalo, NY 14201

Property Concerns: uncut grass, debris, broken window, gutter/downspout need replacement, patio damaged, missing handrails

Legislator Contact: Lawrence Dupre

Mortgage Servicer: PHH Mortgage

Mortgage Servicer Contact Information:

P.O. Box 66002

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

Phone: 800-210-8849

5. Dean Rd, Depew, NY 14043

Property Concerns: Water damage to the roof, causing shingles to fall off, as well as broken and/or open windows

Property Successes: Garage has been demolished

Legislator Contact: Frank Todaro

Local Official: Kever Peterson

Mortgage Servicer: Fay Servicing

Mortgage Servicer Contact Information:

Phone: 1-800-495-7166