Syracuse officials pursue legal actions against Skyline and Vincent property owners

The Department of Code Enforcement held a budget hearing on April 14, 2025, in Syracuse, NY, focusing on ongoing challenges with property management and accountability in the city. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding several high-occupancy buildings, particularly Skyline and Vincent, which have faced legal action due to unresolved code violations.

The discussion began with an acknowledgment of the efforts made by building inspector Reggie Packer, who has been actively engaging with property owners to ensure compliance with safety and maintenance standards. However, concerns were raised about the lack of accountability from new ownership at Parkside and Skyline, with officials questioning when these owners would take full responsibility for their properties.

The meeting revealed that while Parkside's ownership transition was relatively smooth, Skyline's situation has been complicated by ongoing court cases. The city has taken legal action against Skyline's owners for failing to address numerous code violations, despite their claims of financial capability, as evidenced by recent fundraising efforts totaling $300 million.

Officials discussed the importance of a collaborative approach between various city departments, including police and code enforcement, to monitor high-occupancy buildings effectively. The "home unit" initiative was introduced, which aims to cross-reference police call data with code enforcement records to identify problematic properties. This proactive strategy is intended to address issues before they escalate.

Concerns were also raised about the overall housing situation in Syracuse, with discussions indicating that nearly 2,000 apartments across several properties are currently offline or facing significant issues. While Nob Hill and Parkside maintain high occupancy rates, Skyline and Vincent remain problematic, with many units uninhabitable.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue pursuing aggressive legal action against non-compliant property owners and to explore additional resources for code enforcement. Officials emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration and innovative solutions to improve housing conditions in Syracuse, ensuring that residents have access to safe and well-maintained living environments.