Albany Times Union

Niskayuna zombie may live again

Land Bank looks for buyer to renovate or demolish dead house

- By Mallory Moench

The undead will live no more — at least not on Cornelius Avenue.

The years-long problem of an infamous “zombie property” at 2 Cornelius Ave. is finally solved. The Capital Region Land Bank announced Wednesday it will purchase the derelict property for $1 from Mr. Cooper, the financing company that holds the mortgage, after negotiatin­g with the state Department of Financial Services.

The fate of the condemned home is still to be decided: The Land Bank said it will take proposals to demolish or renovate it after applying for a $20,000 grant to help with costs. Wednesday’s announceme­nt relieves neighbors who long complained about the condemned home.

“The Land Bank Board voted last (Tuesday) evening to step up and help deal with this terribly blighted property in Niskayuna,” said Richard Ruzzo, chairman of the Land Bank. “The Land Bank’s mission is to improve neighborho­ods by fixing homes that need renovation and demolishin­g zombie properties that are beyond repair. We have seen time and time again that neighborho­ods improve when vacant and derelict properties are taken care of instead of being neglected.”

The ex-“zombie” property is up for sale and preference will be given to buyers who want to use the site as a home. The four-bedroom house has 2,012 square feet of space. The building needs extensive renovation­s including repairs to the foundation and replacemen­t of the roof, windows, heating system, chimney, front porch and other items.

While the property is badly in need of repair or demolition, the Land Bank said the neighborho­od is “very attractive” so they hope to see multiple officers.

Niskayuna Town Councilwom­an Denise Murphy Mcgraw said the town will tackle other zombie properties as soon as possible.

“I have been calling attention to the zombie property issue for years and thanks to the Land Bank we are able to fix a property that has hurt property values and the quality of life for neighbors,” she said. “I am also pleased to announce that we are working with the Land Bank on several additional zombie properties in Niskayuna and we will not stop until we come up with effective solutions for these properties as well.”

 ?? Courtesy of Capital Region Land Bank ?? The Capital Region Land Bank announced Wednesday it will purchase the derelict property at 2 Cornelius Ave. in Niskayuna for $1 from Mr. Cooper, the financing company that holds the mortgage.
Courtesy of Capital Region Land Bank The Capital Region Land Bank announced Wednesday it will purchase the derelict property at 2 Cornelius Ave. in Niskayuna for $1 from Mr. Cooper, the financing company that holds the mortgage.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States