Capital Region Land Bank to Clean-Up 1019 Van Antwerp Road

SCHENECTADY, N.Y.– The Capital Region Land Bank today joined with Schenectady County and the Town of Niskayuna to announce the clean-up of a long vacant zombie property at 1019 Van Antwerp Road.

“We are sending in a clean-up crew to take this property back from overgrown weeds and trees,” said Richard Ruzzo, Land Bank Chair and a member of the Schenectady County Legislature said. “Once Schenectady County finishes the foreclosure process this fall, the Land Bank will gain site control and consider whether to demolish or turn over the structure to a qualified owner for a full renovation. We know that the neighbors on Van Antwerp Road will be pleased to see progress as this property is one of the worst eyesores in Niskayuna.”

The property at 1019 Van Antwerp is in very poor condition and has been the subject of multiple code violations and overdue tax bills. Until recently, State law required that properties have four years of tax delinquencies before foreclosure could occur. This applies to the Van Antwerp Road property which has been vacant and has not paid taxes for four years. At the urging of the Capital Region Land Bank and other groups across the State, laws regarding abandoned properties have changed. Now municipal governments can take action to clean up abandoned properties allowing foreclosures to move forward after just one year if proper procedures are followed and the property is vacant and abandoned.

Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich, who represents Niskayuna, Glenville and Scotia said, “We thank the Land Bank for this welcome relief for neighbors on Van Antwerp Road. Coupled with the recent renovation of a former zombie property on nearby Cornelius Avenue, we are seeing the result of the County’s efforts to clean up blighted properties and put them back on the tax rolls.”

Niskayuna Supervisor Jamie Puccioni said, “Niskayuna is very pleased to work with the County and the Land Bank to clean up this vacant property which has negatively impacted families in this part of our beautiful Town. For most residents, their home is their most important asset. Having a zombie property nearby is simply not acceptable and we will be working with our Codes department and the Land Bank to pursue other vacant, blighted properties.”

In mid-August, the Capital Region Land Bank will be demolishing a zombie property in Rotterdam Junction and is working closely with the County’s unified economic development team to replace blighted structures with quality housing. The Land Bank is administered by the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.