Officials Inspect EJ Building in Endicott

11/15/2012 (Updated 8:46:12 PM)

(Source: Jason Weinstein)

The Town of Union executed a search warrant today to inspect the old Endicott-Johnson building on North Page Ave. Five representatives from the town along with the building's owner Ralph Pavone and his attorney and engineer walked through the building this afternoon.

"Much of what we'd heard in terms of complaints was that there was some significant deterioration within the building and we were able to observe that to varying degrees floor-by-floor within the building as we made our trip from the top to the bottom," said attorney for the Town of Union Alan Pope.

Pope says different parts of the building had varying degrees of damage.

"Everything from missing floors and missing ceilings because of the long-term deterioration to some heaving, some buckling, some things of that nature that were remnants of deterioration from moisture infiltration," said Pope.

Neither the owner nor his attorney would comment on the inspection. Town of Union Deputy Supervisor says the new owner has been cooperative in wanting to work with the Town.

"We want this neighborhood cleaned up. We'd like this building functioning. Maybe getting a better tax assessment on the building," said Town of Union Deputy Supervisor Rose Sotak.
Neighbors have their own thoughts on the building.

"What we're all hoping besides me is that they just knock it down and start over. We're just tired of seeing the money wasted. It's time to move on. Move up to 2012," said Jennings Street resident Steve Olson.

But Pope says there's almost no scenario that would allow for the Town to force Pavone to demolish the building. The likely scenario, says Pope, is that if the building is deemed unsafe then the Board will present the owner with the repairs it feels are necessary.

"The engineers will do their reports. They'll report back to me. We'll have to make a decision from a legal standpoint whether we need or will proceed ahead with an unsafe building action before the town board," said Pope.

****In Endicott, Jason Weinstein, Fox 40 HD News****

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