Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse has reached an agreement that commits the owner of Skyline Apartments to remediate the property for occupation. Earlier this year, the City commenced a lawsuit against Clear Investment Group for not delivering on its prior court authorized rehabilitation plan and failing to address ongoing code violations leaving the property vacant for more than 18 months.
The agreement, approved in State Supreme Court Friday, requires Clear to implement a remediation plan covering “repairs, maintenance, remediation, modernization, inspection and related construction” on the 352-unit property. The scope of work begins with remediation of asbestos and other conditions caused by the burst of the standpipe for the building’s fire protection system. It lays out detailed deadlines and requirements for repairs and upgrades of utilities, infrastructure and living space throughout the building.
The company has until April 30, 2026 to complete the repairs, be inspected and ready for occupancy. If during the remediation Clear abides by the scope of work, it will be able to apply for partial certification that would pave the way for occupancy in portions of the building earlier than the final inspection and complete occupancy deadline.
“Syracuse needs Clear to deliver on its promise to restore Skyline Apartments to a quality and affordable place to live. This agreement lays out an aggressive and achievable plan for progress with accountability on Clear to get those critically important units back online as soon as possible,” said Mayor Walsh. “It also ensures the City can regularly inspect the property, monitor progress and return to court, if necessary.”
Clear has committed to weekly inspections by the City’s code inspectors for compliance. If the company defaults on the agreement, the City retains the right to re-file its litigation against Clear which sought a receiver to take over management of the property from Clear.