The Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank has acquired its first "zombie" property.

Utica Councilman Joe Marino says the property at 1128 Hammond Avenue has been vacant for years and has amassed dozens of codes violations.

He says its zombie status had prevented foreclosure because banks kept the property taxes current.

Utica joined the New York State Land Bank program in 2016.

A land bank allows for the acquisition of property that is tax delinquent, tax foreclosed or vacant and abandoned.

Marino was joined for Thursday's announcement by Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi,

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