Relief might finally be in sight for the tenants of run-down Syracuse properties owned by Green National.
Attorneys told a judge at a Friday hearing that a Chicago-based investment firm is under contract to buy three complexes, including Skyline apartments.
State Supreme Court Justice Danielle Fogel also considered the city’s request to place the properties in receivership due to numerous code violations, including lack of hot water and heat and broken elevators. She decided to withhold that request until the sale goes through.
Tenants Larry Fuller said he felt the current landlords didn't care for the residents like him.
“They live in Skaneateles. They don't give a flying fig about us,” Fuller said. “All they want is the money. They wouldn't live in a place that is dangerous.”
Resident JoAnn Smith was also critical of Tim Green, a former Syracuse football player who owns the property management company that operates Skyline.
“They live on the Skaneateles on a compound,” Smith said. “And I bet whenever they get ready to go wash their butts, they got some hot water, and they don't have to do it in their kitchen sink.”
Smith and Fuller both said the water pressure in the downtown Syracuse apartment building is still low, and it rarely comes out hot.
In a statement, Mayor Ben Walsh called the decision an important step in the right direction for tenants of The Skyline and other Green National properties.
"The judge’s ruling clears a path for a new buyer to take over the three properties on James Street and ensure responsible management at The Vincent," Walsh said. "We will continue to fight to ensure all Green National tenants are protected and have safe, quality housing; we will not stop until that happens."
In her decision, Judge Fogel did grant receivership for Vincent Apartments. That property is not part of the sale to the investment firm.