Trustees Declare Fire-Damaged House Unsafe, Issue Condemnation Notice; Recreation Department to Charge Non-Resident Fees

The house at 35 James Street was declared a dangerous structure by both the Homer Board of Trustees and Code Officer Adam Brown at Tuesday night’s Homer Board of Trustees meeting. The Trustees also issued a condemnation notice for the property owner, something she will have the opportunity to appeal.

When Mayor Pat Clune arrived at the scene of Sunday morning’s fire, there was the City of Cortland, Cortlandville, and Homer Fire Departments, TLC Emergency Services, Homer Police Department, Cortland County Sheriff Officers, National Grid, animal control, Newton Waterworks, and the Red Cross.

“It was a phenomenal, phenomenal response,” Clune said. “I am just in awe and impressed by how our community came together. The injuries compared to what could have been for a fire of this magnitude… I can’t say enough thanks to all involved. The mutual aid that came together was impressive.”

Crews from the village Department of Public Works cleaned up the site around the house and boarded up windows. Clune noted under an emergency clause local law, the village may use village funds to secure a dangerous building. He added there are several options for the village to recoup their money spent on cleaning and securing the property.

Also at the meeting, two lots, located on Durwood Drive and John Street, were approved to be put on the market at the Homer Board of​ Trustees meeting Tuesday

“There is no park there,” Clune said. “What it essentially means for us is we are spending time and money to maintain a lot.”

Clune also addressed remarks by Cortlandville Deputy Supervisor David Donlick to the Cortland Standard, where Donlick questioned if the Homer Recreation Department is using its resources effectively.

“He does a great job,” Clune said about Recreation Director Andrew Pierce. “He does a lot to stretch the dollar. He gets grants, he gets sponsorships. Holy cow, he is awesome. He is always looking for new things…. I take great pride in our Recreation Department.”

“We are careful with our tax dollars,” said Trustee Elizabeth McGrath. The programs that Andrew has built up and created are the ones residents appreciate most… Cortlandville owes him an apology, and I imagine it comes from the shame they feel in gutting a rec program they know their residents need.”

A week ago, Clune, City of Cortland Mayor Scott Steve and Village of McGraw Mayor Joe Nauseef co-signed a letter to the Cortlandville Town Board, asking them to reconsider their decision to discontinue funding to shared recreational activities and programs.

“Access to affordable recreation is not a luxury,” the letter reads. “It supports public health, youth development, community safety and quality of life. Decisions that increase financial and administrative burden on both residents and municipal staff risk undermining those outcomes.”

As a result, Homer and the City of Cortland plan to add a fee for non-residents.

The pilates and yoga programs will be off-limits to Cortlandville residents.

“The Village of Homer Board of Trustees regrets this action, but feels it would be unfair to Homer residents, whose taxes pay for these activities,” the Board of Trustees said in a statement to Cortlandville residents.

Music on the Green, Easter egg hunts, the Halloween parade, Movie Nights on the Green, the ice rink and access to Homer’s parks are still open to everyone, Clune said.

“I know these are tough fiscal times, and people need to get out,” Clune said. “Come on down to the village of Homer. We would love to have you. Come enjoy the sunshine and everything we have to offer.”