The remaining tenants of the run-down Skyline and Vincent apartment complexes in Syracuse are still in limbo after a deadline has come and gone for them to move out.
The new owner, Clear Investment Group, wanted the buildings empty by July 31st so they can make extensive renovations. Mayor Ben Walsh understands that even under the best of circumstances, relocation is challenging work.
“With the new ownership, we are going through a very deliberate and intentional process getting people relocated. But it does take time," Walsh said. "It is challenging both in terms of finding the right type of housing, but also working through some of the barriers that the residents have. But we feel much more comfortable doing it with the new owners. It doesn't make it any easier, but we're committed to making sure that everyone is relocated safely.”
If you drive through the sprawling Vincent complex, you'll notice it's very quiet. There aren't many people or cars. The buildings have broken or boarded up windows, or no windows at all. Trash can be seen piling up outside some of the buildings and near the street.
Clear Investment just closed on the purchase of the properties from former landlord Green National, which allowed them to fall into severe disrepair. Walsh says relocating residents is delicate but also necessary work in order to finally address the unacceptable living conditions.
“[We're] trying to strike the right balance between making it clear that these properties are not fit for people to be living in, and the sooner we get them cleared out, the sooner we can get them renovated so they are in a condition that is worthy of the residents.”
Longtime Skyline resident Larry Fuller tells WAER News that he’s waiting for paperwork to be approved so he can move out within the next few weeks. Renovations could take a year or more.
Mayor Walsh anticipates that displaced residents will have the option to return.
“It is our expectation that they intend to maintain the affordability of the property," Walsh said. "Many of their tenants, including those that they've relocated and will bring welcome back into their buildings, do have different public subsidies that they rely on.”
Walsh says despite the new challenges, he feels good about their work so far with Clear Investment Group. Green National no longer owns property in the city, and is prohibited from owning or managing affordable housing property in New York State.
