Ellenville trustees authorize legal action and lien filing for condemned 2 Lincoln Street

The village’s building inspector reported that the property at 2 Lincoln Street was condemned in April 2022 and remains in violation of building code and public-safety standards. Dan told trustees that the village won a town-court judgment for $40,000 but the property owner — identified in village filings as M&M House Care LLC — filed a notice of appeal in county court and has refused inspection access.

Dan asked the board to authorize the village attorney to commence an action in Ulster County Supreme Court for injunctive relief to permit inspections, remove occupants if the conditions threaten health and safety, and to board up the property if required. Village attorney Ian explained that filing a notice of appeal does not automatically stay enforcement and that the owner had not requested a stay; he recommended pursuing injunctive relief in Supreme Court so inspectors could lawfully enter and, if necessary, secure the building.

Trustees also voted to file the town-court judgment with the county clerk to create a lien against the property and discussed whether to pursue a title search and potential foreclosure if the property is unencumbered. Ian agreed to review county records for mortgages or judgments and to report back to the board.

Trustees said they would return to the matter at a future meeting after staff compiles title information and enforcement options. The board approved motions authorizing legal action and the filing of the judgment; staff said any further enforcement or removal of occupants would follow judicial authorization.