House Vacant For Around 20 Years in the City of Cortland Looks to be Torn Down, Replaced With New Residence

A house that has been vacant after a structure fire back in 2004 and deemed unsafe to live in finally looks to be demolished and new life given to the property right in the heart of the City of Cortland. The vacant house located at 4 Monroe Heights looks to be demolished and replaced with a brand new 2 unit residential building.

For years since the fire, the City of Cortland has been in and out of the courtroom with the previous owner of the property. Recently, new ownership has taken over the blighted property and the process towards taking the unsafe building down and replacing it has moved forward.

The newly constructed building would be in the same footprint as the existing multi-family house that currently occupies the property. However, the density of the new residential building would be less than the previous building. The structure slated to be demolished was a 3-unit building.

In addition to the new building, a new parking area will also be constructed in place of the current area. Appearing to the Zoning Board of Appeals was the new owner of the property, Chris Timmons, who was seeking a variance for pre-existing nonconformities on the property.

Timmons sought a variance from the Board for 13 parking spaces located in the rear of the property. It was noted in the meeting the new build would be designed to city standards and include property greenscaping.

Overall the ZBA agreed it is a major improvement for the neighborhood, especially after 20 years of the property sitting vacant and unsafe. The board voted unanimously to approve the variance needed.

Mr. Timmons will now head to the City of Cortland Planning Commission on August 4th for Site Plan Approval of the new residential structure. This property was part of City of Cortland Mayor Scott Steve’s campaign promise to have either demolished and replaced with a new building or renovated since taking office.