Like all communities across New York State, the Town of Sweden has experienced an increase in the number of vacant buildings. Buildings left vacant for an extended period of time may become unsafe, turn into public health nuisances, and be a further detriment to the neighborhood. The Sweden Town Board, with the assistance of the Town Attorney, has drafted a new Town Code to establish rules for identifying and registering vacant buildings, to set forth the various responsibilities of vacant building title holders and to enhance the rehabilitation of the vacant buildings.
When a building becomes vacant, the owner will have 30 days to register the building with the Town building department. Along with the registration, the owner must submit one of the following: a plan for the demolition of the building, a plan for the securing of the building in accordance with town standards, or a plan for the rehabilitation of the building. If the building is to remain vacant but secured, the Town has developed detailed requirements for the maintenance of the building.
The proposed code is available for review at www.townofsweden.org under legal notices. The Town Board will hold a public hearing on July 28 at 6 p.m. at the Sweden Town Hall, 18 State Street, to hear all comments for or against the proposal. Comments may be submitted in writing prior to the hearing. For those who plan to attend, masks are required and chairs will be marked to ensure social distancing.
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