SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Tenants of the Skyline Apartments and community members went on the record sharing their grievances, concerns and fears about the living conditions at the Skyline.
A public hearing was held at City Hall Monday morning as part of a nuisance abatement order from the state.
The order comes as a result of the complex’s abandonment to handle reoccurring crimes, unsanitary living conditions, violence and security concerns. Residents shared that they have been living in “horror” for years and are just “fed up.”
The hearing lasted almost four hours due to the large number of people in attendance. Residents and local businesses owners wanted their voices to be heard.
President of the tenant’s association took the stand and shared story after story of her living experience at the Skyline.
“I told them this has to stop,” a tenant said. “I’m not having it. Stop the drug activity. Take that somewhere else. We’re not having it. He threatened my life, said he was going to blow my brains out.”
Many residents have experienced and witnessed physical violence and crime at the apartments.
Those who spoke at the hearing expressed their concerns about the lack of security in and around the building. Tenants said there are only security cameras on one side of the building and the newly hired private security company is rarely present on sight.
“We need the police in that building,” Katrina stated. “It’s the only way we’re safe.”
Resident Larry Fuller, who is on the board of directors of tenant association, was extremely disappointment with what the Skyline apartments have turned into.
“The one thing, I want to say is there was a time the Skyline was known as the premier place to live in Syracuse,” Fuller said. “Well, it sure isn’t anymore and it breaks my heart.”
Community members and tenants called upon the owners of Skyline, Tim and Troy Green, owners of Green National, to take responsibility and improve the property. They argued the state should take over until the Green gentleman are willing to change.
Of all the testimonies given at yesterday’s hearing, one speaker in particular, hit an emotional nerve at City Hall. 93- year-old Connie Tuori, the resident of Skyline who was murdered last February, niece took the stand yesterday to show her support for the current residents.
“Any action taken against the Green National will not bring out aunt back or lessen the pain associated with her death,” Tuori’s niece said. “However, we are also here today to support the tenants for improved, cleaner, safer conditions at the Skyline, so another tragedy does not happen.”
The city asked the hearing officer to extend the nuisance abatement process to a year so the Syracuse Police Department and the city can manage the apartment complex. This order would strip Green National of its authority over the building for at least a year.
