Utica: The Little Dictator

The small city of Utica, NY, is quabbling over a private property dispute. This story sums up the major, major problems with the city and those who run it. It's just over the top.

UTICA —The city has taken a downtown landlord to court in an attempt to get him to repair the historic Genesee Street building he owns.

Joseph Vitale, whose address is listed in court papers as on Clinton Street in the city, owns the former Jacoby Appliance Parts store at 96-98 Genesee St. The building was recently designated a recognized site of the Underground Railroad by the National Park Service.

A city court judge is now deciding on an order to show cause brought by the city against Vitale after several codes violations - including a large hole in the roof and general disrepair - were cited over the past several years.

The judge could decide to order Vitale to repair the property, let the city do the work and then bill Vitale or rule against the city, said city Assistant Corporation Counsel Joan Harris, who handles codes issues for the city. At a May 19 court date, neither Vitale nor a lawyer representing him was present, she said.
Vitale could not be reached for this story.

Action on the building can not come fast enough for neighbors.
Frank Elias, who owns the nearby Utica Roasting Co., said the building's condition affects the whole block.

“In order for a retail community to survive in this Gateway District, there has to be other investors and retail properties,” said Elias, also president of the Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce. “It's shameful that this is what people see of our downtown and it's unfortunate that it prohibits others from investing in this area.”

Tim Reed, executive director of the National Distance Running Hall of Fame, which also is on the block, said the building's condition is a particular shame because it's one of the first structures people see when they enter downtown.

“We want to be as welcoming as possible when it comes to entering our city and I don't think it sends a great message,” Reed said.

The building is the site of a famous escape by two black men in the 1830s. The men were targeted by Virginia slave catchers, according to a recent news release from the Oneida County Historical Society.

While it's wonderful and stupendous (so throw the fireworks) that the building has been deemed a historic site by New York's National Park Service, the parcel has been privately owned for years. I'd like to know upon what legal basis a state organization can swoop in, declare a piece of private property as an "historic" site, and take authority (but not the expense of) major repairs and renovations.

I will also mention that the historical event that occurred at the property seems pretty insignificant, too insignificant to be declared a historic site, and especially under the nose of the property owner. The entire things smells very fishy.

And I take great issue with the comments of neighbors Elias and Reed. They are concerned that this area of Geneseee Street is "shameful" and not "welcoming"?! Hello?! There are a few stripper joints right next door! How about those?! I find it unconscionable that there is this push for a private property owner to repair his roof at his own expense by mandate of the state; yet nothing is said about the disgraceful and disgusting businesses that create the seedy atmosphere there to begin with. Unless this is Utica's idea of being "welcoming."