(Schenectady, NY)  The Capital Region Land Bank last night approved $30,000 to demolish an infamous “zombie property” at the corner of Union Street and Balltown Road in Niskayuna.

Richard Ruzzo, Chairman of the Land Bank and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “We are pleased that the Land Bank is going to demolish one of the most blighted properties at one of its most visible intersections in Schenectady County.”

Niskayuna Town Supervisor Joe Landry said, “We thank the Land Bank for moving forward with this demolition that will clean up this corner which so many Niskayuna residents see every day.  We are pleased that our efforts to find a better outcome for this property have won the day.”

Town Councilwoman and Deputy Town Supervisor Denise Murphy McGraw said, “This blighted, abandoned building sits in the center of our town and I have worked for years to address it.  I would like to thank the Land Bank for working with us to remove this unsafe and unsightly property.”

The Capital Region Land Bank will provide $30,000 to demolish the zombie property.  The Land Bank receives funding from Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., made possible by a bank settlement negotiated by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

The property at 1840 Union Street is marked by large red X’s highlighting the fact that the building is unsafe even for Town police and fire departments to enter.  No repairs could be made nor could the property be sold because title was tied up in a lengthy foreclosure action by the bank.  All the legal entanglements that resulted in the decay of the building have now been resolved and the property is for sale. A contract to purchase the building has been signed.  Following demolition, a new single family home is planned for the site by a private developer.

The Capital Region Land Bank is administered by Metroplex as part of Schenectady County’s unified economic development team.

About the Capital Region Land Bank

The Capital Region Land Bank’s mission is to strengthen neighborhoods by mitigating blight.  The Land Bank serves the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County and the City of Amsterdam. More information including listings of homes and side lots for sale may be found at www.capitalregionlandbank.com.

Contact:

Joe McQueen
Director of Public Communications
Schenectady County
(518) 388-4772