Auburn council approves court space lease, two land sales and backs bill to move Central New York Welcome Center

The Auburn City Council voted on multiple agenda items at its April 17 meeting. Votes included approval of a court-space lease amendment with Cayuga County, two land-sale approvals for tax-foreclosed properties, and a council resolution urging state legislators and the governor to relocate the Central New York Welcome Center to Auburn.

Agreement Resolution 41 (court lease) The council approved an amendment to the long-standing agreement with Cayuga County to continue leasing space for the Auburn City Court at 157 Genesee Street through Dec. 31, 2026, at an annual cost of $103,927.50 to the city operating account cited in the motion. The resolution text noted the city is required under state court unification to provide space for Auburn City Court and described the amendment as a short-term measure while discussions continue with the New York State Office of Court Administration regarding expanded allocated space. The motion was sponsored by Councilor Clarko and seconded by Councilor Cuddy. Roll call: Councilor Kent ' yes; Councilor Overstreet Wilson ' yes; Councilor Cuddy ' yes; Councilor Clarko ' aye; Mayor James N. Genentino Jr. ' aye. Outcome: approved (5-0).

Land Sale Resolution 42 (11 Adams Street) The council approved the sale of 11 Adams Street, acquired by the city via tax foreclosure on Oct. 25, 2024, to Sarah Fagan for $43,000. Conditions include a quick-claim deed at closing, buyer responsibility for title, survey and closing costs, a requirement to obtain permits within 30 days of closing and to complete renovations within one year, and a reversionary clause that returns title to the city if conditions are unmet. The motion was sponsored by Councilor Kent and seconded by Councilor Overstreet Wilson. Roll call: Kent ' yes; Overstreet Wilson ' yes; Cuddy ' yes; Clarko ' aye; Mayor Genentino ' aye. Outcome: approved (5-0).

Land Sale Resolution 43 (103 Seymour Street) The council approved the sale of 103 Seymour Street, a vacant lot acquired by tax foreclosure on Oct. 21, 2024, to Marilyn O'Connor for $7,500. The city will convey by quitclaim deed and the buyer is responsible for title, survey and closing costs. The motion was sponsored by Councilor Cuddy and seconded by Councilor Clarko. Roll call: Kent ' yes; Overstreet Wilson ' yes; Cuddy ' yes; Clarko ' aye; Mayor Genentino ' aye. Outcome: approved (5-0).

Council Resolution 44 (Central New York Welcome Center) The council adopted Resolution 44 expressing support for state legislation (Senate bill S.1052 and Assembly bill A.6160) that would relocate the Central New York Welcome Center to the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn once existing state contracts expire. The motion was sponsored by Mayor James N. Genentino Jr. and seconded by Councilor Kent. Roll call: Kent ' yes; Overstreet Wilson ' yes; Cuddy ' yes; Clarko ' aye; Mayor Genentino ' aye. Outcome: approved (5-0).

Procedure items The council also approved the minutes of the April 3 meeting (sponsored by Councilor Kent, seconded by Councilor Overstreet Wilson) by unanimous roll call.

Ending: All recorded votes on these items were unanimous in favor. Several items included conditions (e.g., renovation timelines and reversion clauses) that staff must enforce at closing and through permit compliance.