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Town board authorizes steps to secure or remove deteriorated building at 9 Long Pond Road
Summary
The Town of Clinton board authorized the building inspector to take measures to secure and, if necessary, remove a deteriorated structure at 9 Long Pond Road after the inspector’s report cited safety risks; the board directed notices and procedures under chapter 116 of the town code.
The Town of Clinton town board on July 10 approved a resolution authorizing the building inspector and town supervisor to take steps to protect public health and safety at a worsening structure on 9 Long Pond Road, including posting signs, erecting barriers and beginning the code process that can lead to repair, demolition or liening the property.
Why it matters: The building — described by residents as a mid‑19th century rooming house tied to early mill history in Schultzville — partially collapsed and has been in deteriorated condition. Residents urged the board to seek preservation options; the board said it must proceed under the town’s dangerous‑structure code while following notice and remediation steps.
Board action and process
By motion, the board authorized the municipal code enforcement officer to secure the site and to serve notice on the owner and begin the Chapter 116 process. Supervisor Witten said the action starts a legal process that includes a public hearing for the property owner to respond and time for the owner to correct hazards before the town acts. If an owner remains unresponsive, the code allows the town to pursue further remedies, including levying costs as taxes at the end of a multi‑step process.
Resident appeals and historic value
Cynthia Cook, president of the Clinton Historical Society, told the board the building is listed in the town’s historic resources survey and dates to about 1850, associated with an early mill. She asked the board to consider alternatives to demolition and explore whether a public‑private partnership or other funding could preserve the building. Several residents urged the town not to rush demolition and to examine restoration options.
Supervisor Witten said the town will notify the owner immediately and that the process allows the owner an opportunity to act; he suggested that any effort to preserve the building should be pursued in coordination with the owner and noted that engineering evaluations and costs would be required.
Ending
The resolution passed with the board directing officials to begin the Chapter 116 procedures to make the structure safe or remove it, while remaining open to preservation proposals from the owner or outside partners.
