City Council to hold public hearing on proposed property redevelopment law

(Photo Source: Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).

The city of Cortland is proposing a local law that will ease the process of redeveloping some properties in the area, and a public hearing on the proposed measure is prior to the council’s meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The proposed city law will look to amend chapter 300 of the city code to “allow for building or property repurpose that serves a substantial public benefit.”

For property redevelopment applications, the Common Council will have authority to “approve a

special use permit for a vacant or unoccupied building, structure or property where the original or permitted use is no longer feasible, regardless of whether the proposed repurpose use for said vacant or unoccupied building, structure or property is expressly prohibited (by chapter 300 of the city code).”

A full breakdown of the proposed city law can be seen here on the first two pages of supporting documents from the Feb. 21 Common Council meeting.

The proposal was sent to the city planning commission for review and recommendation. Due to the lack of a quorum, the planning commission this past Monday (Feb. 27) was canceled.

The Common Council can still hold a public hearing on the proposed law at its March 7 meeting. Details on when the Common Council can vote on the measure remains to be seen.

The Cortland Voice will provide further details once they are received.