Collins Town Board orders demolition of two unsafe houses, schedules public hearings

The Town Board voted in June to initiate demolition proceedings for two residential properties it determined to be public hazards and set public hearings to receive comment before proceeding.

At the June 20 meeting the board adopted a resolution accepting the Code Enforcement Officer’s reports and authorized initiation of the demolition process for structures located at 2296 Gowanda-Zoar Road (SBL 350.00-2-20) and 3585 Route 39 (SBL 343.11-2-42). The resolutions say the properties were inspected, found to be endangering the public, and that the town had received no remedial action from the owners. The board directed the Town Code Enforcement Officer and Supervisor to define the scope of demolition, prepare cost estimates and notify owners of public hearings.

The board set public hearings for July 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. (2296 Gowanda-Zoar Road) and 8:00 p.m. (3585 Route 39) at Town Hall, 14093 Mill Street, Collins. Notices will be published and the hearings will allow the public and the property owners to comment prior to any town-directed demolition. The resolutions state that demolition costs will be assessed to the property on the tax roll in the same manner as general town taxes if the town carries out the work.

Town Attorney James Musacchio and Code Enforcement staff are charged with coordinating the record and the required notices. The board said staff will calculate demolition costs and return with a final recommendation after the public hearings.

Next steps: Public hearings on July 11; town to evaluate comments and either issue demolition orders and bid the work or set conditions/timeframes for owner remediation.