Tompkins CountyDepartment of Planning and Sustainability staff reported to the Government Operations Committee that 19 parcels remain on a list of properties withheld from auction under the county's land transactions policy, most of them residential.

Darby Kylie, planning staff, said 14 of the parcels are residential and five are vacant commercial parcels. The countyhas scheduled its auction tour for May 13. Kylie noted a small parcel in the village of Freeville that the county took title to in 2023 and said staff were continuing to explore next steps.

Kylie identified two stormwater parcels in the town of Newfield that have been on the list since at least 2019. Those lots contain stormwater facilities for a subdivision; Kylie said the original deed conveyance that would have made neighboring property owners responsible for the lots did not occur. As a result, the town and neighbors have discussed forming a homeowners association or other solution but had not reached a resolution. "We haven't foreclosed on those. We have been in touch with the I know the town of Newfield is coming to some resolution with the homeowners there, but they they just haven't gotten anywhere on on those discussions yet," Kylie said.

Committee members asked whether the town could form an improvement district or homeowners association to address maintenance and whether the town could pass costs to the homeowners. Kylie and other staff said they would need to investigate statutory options; one committee member noted Danby had previously formed a stormwater district for a similar issue. Planning staff said putting properties to auction could result in the county taking title to parcels if there are no bidders, and that for some properties the county intentionally has not taken title because of environmental liability or maintenance concerns.

Action/Next steps: No vote was taken. Planning staff will continue to monitor payoffs and communications with the towns; committee members suggested staff or a legislator follow up directly with the Newfield town board to explore possible options such as an improvement district, homeowners association, or auction with notice to the town and neighboring owners.

Clarifying details: The planning report cited the 19-parcel count (14 residential, 5 commercial) and noted the auction tour is scheduled for May 13. The stormwater parcels have been on the list since at least 2019 and remain in limbo because deed conveyance and maintenance arrangements did not occur.