Lewis County reports CDBG demolitions; staff urges lender cleanup at condemned Oliver Place home

Grace Metzler of the Lewis County Planning Department told the Board that in 2024 the county secured $274,710 in CDBG Imminent Threat grant funds to address unsafe, blighted structures and "so far we've completed the demolition of 3 out of the 4 identified structures," including two county‑owned sites and properties in Port Leyden, Turin and along State Route 26.

Metzler described the sites and code findings that led to demolition recommendations: missing water, unsafe wiring, structural and foundation damage, fire damage and, for one Lowville property, post‑flood land settlement that produced a large foundation crack. She said demolished sites will carry a five‑year declaration of interest from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, meaning future uses must align with state pro‑housing priorities.

Separately, county staff presented details on 6585 Oliver Place in the hamlet of Glenfield: the structure burned, the owner is deceased, and a foreclosure action by a mortgage lender is pending. County code enforcement officer Jonathan Rose confirmed the remaining debris and proximity to the road made the site a public safety concern. County staff told the board they had been working with the lender and its contractor and were recommending the lender be given 60 days to perform cleanup before the county would remove the remnants.

An attorney who identified herself as the lender's Rochester counsel told the board she was present to coordinate the lender's work "to make sure that we're working well with the local community legislation and, of course, code enforcement," and said she would continue to communicate with county staff during the process.

The board did not receive public comment on the items during the hearing and closed the public hearings after the presentations. The planning department noted that the demolition effort has required interdepartmental and intermunicipal collaboration and that outreach tied to the program has spurred private investment to repair or remove additional structures that ultimately were not included in the grant application.

What happens next: County staff asked the board to make the demolition exhibit part of the meeting record; staff said they would bring any necessary resolution for action and would follow up with the lender and its contractor during the 60‑day period.