Cobblestone buildings have faced code violations for years

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The owner of two of Buffalo’s oldest buildings in the Cobblestone neighborhood, Darryl Carr, has made it no secret that he has long wanted the buildings torn down.

Both structures, which date back to the mid-1800s, have landed Carr in housing court several times.

A 2 On Your Side Investigates analysis reveals the properties have twelve active code violations, according to city records.

Ranging from dangerous structures to graffiti, the citations were made between 2020 and 2023.

One of the violations says, “Several areas of the building are unsafe to the public and require immediate corrective action.”

State Senator Sean Ryan issued a statement calling Carr’s actions “negligent demolition.”

“A negligent owner abandoned this historic building for over a decade, ignoring calls for action,” Ryan added.

City land records show Carr purchased the historic structures in 2001 and 2009.

The Buffalo Fire Department has not yet determined the cause.