Union, NY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

The Unsafe Buildings Law of the Town of Union (Chapter 88) opens with a finding in § 88-1 that unsafe buildings threaten life and property, that vacant buildings left open at doorways and windows are an attractive nuisance for young children, and that a dilapidated building can shelter rodents. Section 88-3 defines "building" to include the surrounding property, and it defines "owner" to reach past the deed holder to the individual partners, shareholders and members behind it.

The process runs in a fixed order. Under § 88-4 the Building Official acts on his own opinion or on information received, inspects, and reports in writing to the Town Board. Under § 88-5 the Town Board then decides by resolution whether the building, structure or property is unsafe and dangerous, and orders repair, remediation or clean-up where that can be done safely, or demolition and removal. Section 88-6 requires the notice to describe the premises, list the particulars that make it unsafe, state the order, and set the clock: work must commence within 30 days of service of the notice and be completed within 60 days thereafter, unless good cause is shown for more time. The notice also sets a Town Board hearing not less than five business days from the date of service.

Section 88-7 requires personal service on the owner or any person with a vested or contingent interest, with registered mail to the last known address if no one can be found, plus service on any adult living in the premises and a copy securely affixed to the property. Section 88-8 requires a copy to be filed with the Broome County Clerk. If the person served refuses or neglects to comply, § 88-9 directs the Town Board to have the work done by Town employees or by contract, and any demolition contract above $50,000 must be bid competitively unless the emergency section applies.

Section 88-10 puts the whole bill on the owner: removal cost, plus the Town's employee, attorney, engineering, consultant, contractor and court costs, levied under Article 15 of the Town Law. The Town's priority lien ranks ahead of all other liens, mortgages included, except taxes and assessments. Under § 88-11 the Building Official can secure any unsafe or vacant building immediately without a resolution.