An abandoned and run-down Verizon building that looms over Green Street in Camillus may have finally met its match. Senator Chuck Schumer joined Camillus Mayor Patricia Butler and residents in seeking to clean up or tear down what they deem an unkempt eye sore.
Neighborhood residents have been calling and sending e-mails and letters to Verizon for over a decade to no avail, until Schumer stepped in.
“The mayor and they contacted me and I am pledging to them, I will do everything I can to get Verizon to clean up this site, take down this building and put something nice up.”
The building is over 60 years old and has been abandoned for the past 20. It reportedly has a broken foundation, rotten wood, an unstable roof, and it houses animals. Schumer says he takes special interest in helping local communities.
“And so I am here and I am asking Verizon to be a good neighbor. First, to get in touch with the mayor, to get in touch with me, to get in touch with the community residents so they can hear out the complaint.”
Schumer quoted Robert Frost who said, “Good fences make good neighbors.” He would say Verizon has not been a good neighbor; they are acting like the “big and mighty” corporation immune to community involvement. Mayor Butler says the town has seen enough neglect and disrespect.
“We take pride in our property and would like for Verizon to do the same.”
At least three people have gone to Verizon in the past looking to buy the property, but it always falls through on the Verizon side. Butler worries the surrounding property value will decrease because of the dilapidated building. Schumer wants Verizon and Camillus to work it out.
“Sit down with the community: decide what they want to do. One obvious use is for them to take the building down, sell the property, and let someone build another home. But if the community has other ideas, I’ll work with them. Whatever they want.”
Verizon has not answered any call to action, but Schumer says they are definitely listening, because the grass was mowed just before Monday’s press conference. Whatever happens, it’s sure that this issue will be solved quicker, if at all, because of the extra push Schumer is giving.
