There's a townhouse between FDB/8th and ACP/7th Avenue on 123rd Street that was always a mystery to the block. The 17 foot wide building with siding added on to what appears to be a brick facade has been an empty shell for some time without any signs of activity. Looking at public records, two facts are evident about the old building that is in need of some help. First of all, the structure is in the religious building or synagogue classification but we are not sure if this means that taxes are not being charged for this particular property. The second piece of information is that the owner situation is a bit unclear. Based on the only permit paperwork filed for boiler work back February 2007, it would appear that HPD had owned the building at some point. Three month later in the same year, records show a deed transfer to a someone who apparently lives in the midwest. So five years later, there is not much going on and the house is still in limbo without any designs for its future.
The building has been occupied at various points over the past 5 years or so, though I have no idea whether it was occupied legally. My understanding from a friend who lives nearby is that the Fire Dept took action there twice due to safety issues, ultimately vacating the building and sealing it up.
ReplyDeleteYour information is almost accurate.
DeleteFrom what I understand the house was an inheritance, tied up in the courts for a bit but cleared up. The owner fought to get the squatters out with the help of the Fire Department and the owner does not live in the city. However they have someone from the neighborhood who looks after the property.
ReplyDelete