UTICA, NY – Utica residents concerned about abandoned or “zombie” properties in their neighborhoods had the chance to voice those concerns at a community forum Tuesday at Utica City Hall.
Members of the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank and Rust 2 Green listened to concerns and offered solutions to residents, letting them know what they are doing to combat the problem.
Joe Marino, Treasurer of the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank, says not only are these properties an eyesore, but they can also have an effect on your property value.
They can also be dangerous.
“They’re fire hazards. They’re public safety hazards. We’ve heard of several places that have pools that have been uncovered. God forbid a child gets in the backyard of these homes. They can fall in and no one would ever know it.”
A zombie property is a 1 to 4 family residence that is in the process of being foreclosed, but the owner has abandoned the property before the foreclosure can be finalized.
City officials estimate there are between 80 to 100 zombie properties in Utica.
If you would like to report a zombie property you can do so here.
