New York bill aims to address zombie properties across the state

ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) - The City of Albany has asked and now state government officials are answering back.

Assem. John McDonald, who serves the 108th District, says "Our hope is to get these properties back in top shape, get them in the hands of a new owner who’s going to take care of that property, [and] prevent tomorrow's demolition."

This bill will save city officials costs associated with maintaining vacant properties or what some refer to it as "zombie properties."

This piece of legislation will shorten the time required for city officials to reduce the redemption period from two years to one year. The bill was passed unanimously.

"I was the mayor of Cohoes for 13 years. We restored beautiful buildings and demolished a fair amount of buildings, so it's natural to have that interest in restoring these buildings because blight doesn't do anybody any good,” replied McDonald.

It's an initiative to improve the community.

Hon. Owusu Anane, who serves the 10th Ward for the City of Albany, says "We want to send a clear message: Albany is a beautiful city. We want to encourage home ownership, we want to encourage people to move here, invest here, and live/work/play in this city."

Anane says there are 10 zombie properties in his ward.

"When a property is abandoned and vacant, it attracts squatters, theft, drug activities, crime. All these initiatives could be addressed if the property is back on the tax road. Some of these problems, the solutions rely on state legislation,” replied Anane.

In 2018, there were a little over 1,000 abandoned buildings in the City of Albany.

There are now 1,100 vacant buildings and 425 of those have a "Red X" on them.