Major Eyesore Eliminated in Newark Valley

As part of the Village Cleanup and Beautification Plan, the Village of Newark Valley last month eliminated a major county eyesore that had been the source of numerous complaints from both visitors and residents.

The building at One Spring Street had been abandoned for about seven years and was in an advanced state of disrepair. Located immediately adjacent to the Tioga Scenic Railroad tracks, the eyesore was seen by several thousand train riders each year. In recent years, the building was used as a gathering place for drinking and drug parties.

Village Mayor Sandie Downs has made the elimination of the problems associated with this building a priority in cleaning up the village. Since the property was abandoned by the owner, the first step in the process was to get the county to sell the property to the village and forgive back taxes.

An engineering survey then identified the presence of asbestos that had to be removed prior to burning. A permit to burn the building was issued, and the Newark Valley Fire Department burned the building on Sunday, December 13, at 8:00 am.

The lot will be graded and planted with grass to complete the beautification.


©1999 APALACHIN COMMUNITY PRESS