Batavia council declares Brisbane Mansion surplus and authorizes transfer to redevelopment arm

On May 11 the City of Batavia City Council voted unanimously to declare the Brisbane Mansion (10 West Main Street) surplus, discontinue public use and authorize transfer of the property to the Batavia Development Corporation (BDC) to support redevelopment and eligibility for CDBG Anchor Project funding.

Councilmember McGinnis moved the resolution, which notes the building’s construction circa 1853–1855 and its prior roles as City Hall and the police department. The RFP issued by the City required rehabilitation for residential or boutique-hotel use and preservation of historic character under New York State Historic Preservation Office guidelines and use of Historic Preservation Tax Credits. The resolution anticipates transfer to the BDC for pre-development activities, grant pursuit and coordination of eventual sale to a private developer and waives the requirement for an appraisal prior to transfer. The transfer is conditioned on the purchaser obtaining a commitment from a developer to acquire, rehabilitate and develop the building according to an approved plan within 24 months of any transfer from the BDC to a developer.

The council also approved subdivision of the Brisbane Mansion parcel from adjacent city-owned parking lot and Austin Park. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Viele and approved on a 9-0 roll call.

No sale price or developer was identified in the meeting record; the council authorized the City Council President to sign closing documents subject to a Contract of Sale satisfactory to the City Attorney.