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The City of Syracuse has filed a lawsuit against Clear Investment Group, the company responsible for redeveloping the Skyline Apartments on James Street. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced on Wednesday (April 2) that the city is seeking to replace Clear Investment Group with a court-appointed receiver to manage the property. The city claims that Clear Investment Group has failed to fulfill its promises to renovate the 352-apartment complex, which has been plagued by numerous issues, including a fire, a significant water leak, and other safety concerns.
According to the lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court, the city accuses Clear Investment Group of neglecting the property, which was purchased in 2023. The building has been declared unfit for habitation after a fire broke out in March 2024. The city is asking the court to compel Clear Investment Group to correct all outstanding code violations, impose over $355,000 in fines, and require the company to deposit $2 million with a receiver for necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance.
The complaint highlights the building's history of issues, including the murder of a 93-year-old resident in 2021, which brought attention to the lack of security measures. The city asserts that Clear Investment Group has not made significant progress in redeveloping the property, despite previous assurances.
Clear Investment Group has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The city remains firm in its commitment to addressing the housing shortage and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the case progresses in court.