Canisius to sell homes near college

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Canisius College will be renovating and selling some college-owned property.

The announcement comes from Canisius College President John Hurley on Tuesday. He says eight college-owned houses in the Hamlin Park neighborhood will be dedicated, for the purpose of renovation and sale.

It's part of the "Canisius Hamlin Park Initiative." When the properties are sold, the deed will include a restrictive covenant to ensure they remain owned and occupied by the owner for at least 15 years. The houses are located on the streets immediately adjacent to the college and we're told at least some have been vacant for awhile.

Hurley says homeowners are the key ingredient to maintaining vital and vibrant neighborhoods in Buffalo.

"Despite the college's commitment not to buy more houses in the neighborhood, the intervening years have seen more investors buy homes in this neighborhood and I think the college and the community of neighbors agree that this is not a good long-term strategy for this neighborhood," said Hurley.

Work on the houses will begin within the next few weeks on Glendale Avenue and Humboldt Street. Canisius will not receive anything from the sales and all proceeds will be used for further renovations. The houses will remain vacant until sold.