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Elmira Vacant Building Ordinance

Updated Monday, January 28, 2013

Written By: Joe Melillo

A new city ordinance in Elmira will help create a vacant building registry

January 28, 2013
Elmira (WENY) - A new city ordinance in Elmira will help create a vacant building registry. The goal is to clean up empty buildings across the city. The city council approved a new ordinance asking all property owners to register any vacant buildings in Elmira. Its for both commercial or residential property, and similar to the rental registration. The city will also require owners submit a plan for renovation or reuse. Elmira Mayor Sue Skidmore says property owners can register during the first few weeks for free but the city will then charge a registration fee in the future.
“It will improve the tax base and plus when the property looks nice you've got less crime you've less things happening under the cover of darkness and you've increased your property values, and it looks more attractive,” says Mayor Skidmore.
People who go away for the winter will not be affected by the change.