Lewis County orders demolition of unsafe Lyons Falls structures, gives owner 90 days to comply

The Lewis County Board of Legislators on July 7 approved a resolution directing the demolition and removal of two unsafe structures at 4119 Center Street in the Village of Lyons Falls, following a presentation from the county’s building code director that cited a partial burned structure and exposed foundation dating to a prior fire.

John Rose, director of the Building Codes Department and code enforcement officer, told the board he inspected the parcel after being notified in March 2026 and that "there had been a lengthy history of this structure and the order of its demolition in the past." Rose described standing water in the exposed foundation and "some old tanks that we don't know what's in them," and said both the primary building and a secondary rear structure should be removed. "I would recommend 60 days, at the longest, 90," he said.

During the public hearing a person identified by the chair as a member of the Marriott family said the notice was "addressed to Fred" and asked for time to find help to comply. The board discussed the appropriate compliance window and agreed to amend the draft resolution from a 60‑day period to 90 days to allow the owner time to take action. The chair and legislators warned that if the property is not cleaned up within the deadline the county may engage contractors to do the work and place the costs on the property tax bill.

The board moved and carried the amended resolution directing demolition under the county's unsafe structures law (local law number 2 of 2007). The resolution as amended requires the owner to remedy the violations within the 90‑day period or face county abatement and cost recovery. The board noted John Rose will be the contact for compliance questions.