Schumer AnnouncesL Verizon Will Level Abandoned Building & Clean Up Property In Village Of Camillus That Was Left Ignored For Two Decades; Will Pave Way For New Development Of The Land

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced today that Verizon will, in response to local concerns regarding a long-abandoned building in the Village of Camillus, level and clean up the property that has become a community eye-sore for the last 20 years. Last week, Schumer visited the Village and urged Verizon to be a good neighbor and clean up this site so it is no longer an eye sore or can one day be used for other purposes.

"The news that Verizon will be leveling this long-abandoned building and cleaning up the site, paving the way for possible future use, is an indication that Camillus residents have finally had their voices heard," said Schumer. "Local residents work hard to maintain their properties. So it is welcome news that Verizon is doing the right thing by cleaning up the poor condition of this property. I will continue to work with both Verizon and local officials as this project moves forward."

During his visit, Schumer said residents have had enough of the current deteriorating state of the property, and are frustrated with the lack of upkeep and crumbling state of the building. Schumer said locals should not be burdened by this property any longer, and commended Verizon for taking locals' concerns seriously and working clean up the property. Schumer also vowed to continue watching this project to ensure that it is done in a timely manner.

Residents of Green Street and the adjacent Leroy Street have been frustrated with the state of the abandoned, unkempt property for years and, in an effort to have their voices heard, began writing letters and attempting to call Verizon to fix the situation. On many occasions, the Village of Camillus itself attempted to contact Verizon to no avail. During each attempt to contact the company, the Village never received adequate responses or attention. The village has the option to bring Verizon to court over the numerous code violations, but has not yet decided to do so.

When residents' attempts failed to garner any attention to the issue from Verizon, they contacted Schumer's office. With more than 12 notices and follow-ups of violations citing the poor condition and maintenance of the property, Schumer said the time is now for Verizon to step in and be a good neighbor. Schumer said Verizon should first do this by hearing residents' concerns and, second, by working with local officials to clean up the property. Verizon has been cited for failing to mow the grass at the property, not attending to the wood trim that is rotting or the door paint that is peeling and overall poor condition and maintenance. Some fed-up locals have even taken matters in their own hands by mowing the tall grass. That is why Schumer urged Verizon to hear the pleas of local residents and show complete attention to this matter.

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