Land bank authorized to demolish 19 Smith Road on county property; agreement to be drafted

The Chemung County Property Development Corporation authorized staff to enter into an agreement with county officials allowing the land bank to demolish structures at 19 Smith Road while title remains with the county.

Staff said the county will retain ownership of the parcel and the land bank will act as the county’s contractor/subcontractor to arrange and pay for demolition and site cleanup. The board requested counsel draft an agreement clarifying responsibilities (who hires the demo contractor, how payments flow, liability and transfer plans) and noted soil-and-water and other local partners had expressed interest in post-demolition site stabilization or reuse as a gravel parking area.

Board members discussed whether this action would set a precedent for the land bank to demolish county or municipal properties when public entities lack funds; some members emphasized this case was an exception and staff said they had previously agreed to this specific project with the county.

A motion to authorize counsel to draft the agreement and for the land bank to proceed with demolition was made, seconded and approved. Staff will reach out to soil-and-water and other partners to coordinate post-demolition site work and will report back with bids and a recommended contractor selection and budget amendment if required.

Ending: Counsel will prepare the agreement clarifying that the county retains title and the land bank will perform the demolition; staff will return with bids and a budget plan for board approval.