Erie County officials have provided an update on the Zombie Properties Initiative. The initiative is a collaboration between the Western New York Law Center’s Vacant and Abandoned Property Department and the Erie County Clerk’s Office.

County Clerk Michael Kearns, Depew Mayor Kevin Peterson and the Western New York Law Center held a news conference on Thursday outside an abandoned property to address the situation. They say abandoned properties can become dangerous if not maintained, especially during winter.

According to the county, the Depew home was reported to the Zombie Initiative and village officials in early October. Code Enforcement officials say the garage structure was collapsing and unsafe and needed to be demolished. The house on the property also violated numerous village building codes and the yard had become overgrown, officials say.

The county wants people to know there is a service to help residents contact an abandoned building's owner as well as foreclosure assistance if that owner needs it.

"These properties, after winter, if they are not in good order, there could be a demolition order," said Kearns. "We don't want demolitions, we want people, we want good neighbors in these properties and we want them sold back on the tax roll."

Anyone who wants to report an abandoned property can call (716) 828-8444 or email ecvipteam@wnylc.net. You can also find more information at eriecountyclerkzombies.com.