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Oneonta orders evacuation and repairs at two troubled buildings after inspections
Summary
The board declared an apartment at 190 Main Street unsafe and ordered immediate eviction and repair within 30 days; the board also ordered the entire building at 179 Main Street vacated in 10 days and repaired in 30 days.
The Oneonta Code Enforcement Appeals Board declared an apartment at 190 Main Street (Apartment 312) unsafe and ordered the tenant removed immediately and repairs completed within 30 days. Separately, the board ordered the entire building at 179 Main Street vacated within 10 days and repaired within 30 days after inspectors found multiple fire- and safety-related deficiencies.
The board cited Chapter 92 of the city code in its action on 190 Main Street, listing code criteria for unsafe dwellings, including structures damaged by fire or other causes that are dangerous to life, safety or sanitation. The board discussed repeated police calls to the 190 Main apartment, reports that the resident barricaded himself in a bedroom, and photographic evidence of interior destruction — broken windows, burn attempts on a doorknob and other hazards. Housing provider Springbrook and Housing Visions staff were involved as property managers; the board advised the owners to pursue an emergency eviction hearing through their attorney because the board does not itself execute evictions.
Following discussion, the board voted to declare Apartment 312 unsafe, order the tenant removed immediately (the board described “immediate” understanding that practical enforcement may depend on the owner’s legal process), and require repairs within 30 days. The motion passed unanimously by present members.
On 179 Main Street, the board concluded inspectors had not completed safety checks (including a questionable sprinkler system) and that the building as a whole might be unsafe. The board voted to order the whole building vacated in 10 days and repaired within 30 days, and required a repair inspection by code enforcement before occupants could return.
Board members and staff said they would assist property owners and managers in pursuing appropriate court steps for emergency eviction and would cooperate with housing partners to expedite cleanup and repairs. The board emphasized it cannot perform evictions directly; that responsibility rests with owners and the courts.
