The city of Niagara Falls has now been under a state of emergency for nearly a full month.
A city spokesperson confirmed that Mayor Rob Restaino issued an emergency declaration on July 20.
In documents shared with Spectrum News 1, the mayor cites public safety issues like potential fires and health hazards at blighted properties, as well as deteriorating road conditions reported by the fire chief.
The mayor is also blaming Niagara Falls City Council for allegedly failing to award contracts to address these issues.
Restaino said their “dereliction of duty” pushed him to declare the state of emergency.
Spectrum News 1 has reached out to the council chairman for comment.