Said Amy Nagy, Sinatra director of development: "It’s an issue that took longer than we liked for resolution, and we can appreciate the neighbors' desire for results."

The two houses are among four in a row on Hodge Avenue that were owned by the former Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo and had been slated for demolition years ago to make way for a proposed new ambulatory surgery center. After that plan changed, the properties were bought four years ago by S&N Buffalo Properties Group, a Sinatra affiliate that also includes Essex Homes of WNY's Phil Nanula.

Two of the four houses were renovated into townhouses and sold, but the remaining two, according to the Housing Court charges, have problems with chimneys, roofs and drainage, exterior walls, "protective treatment," foundation walls, windows and door frames, handrails, guards, trash accumulation, weeds and driveways. They were also cited for overall vacancy.

The judge took no action on the city complaint but told Sanders he will “keep a tight leash” on the project, and ordered him to return March 28 to report on progress. He also urged Sinatra to also hold community meetings to keep neighbors informed.

“I want this project to move along,” the judge said.