How in the hell does he think the program is actually going to succeed?
The FACT is, and the EVIDENCE PROVES, that people are NOT buying homes IN the city. Even the taxpayer funded Key program, the EVIDENCE has proven (and I CAN provide links to the official documents if DV "needs" to SEE the EVIDENCE) that no families are buying IN the city. An EXTREMELY SMALL handful of homes, a paltry seven homes out of at least 500 listed on the MLS, on top of the hundreds of just vacant houses on top of 600 imminently to be vacant houses, CLEARLY proves beyond all doubt that McC is out of his mind.
And IF he's lucky to sell 10 houses, and he splits the "profit" with the contractor of the sale price, let's see, figure $50,000 to renovate a house that sells for $60,000, that means $10,000 profit and splitting the cost with the contractor would generally $5,000 and IF, IF 10 houses sold, it would bring in $50,000 to the city. Hardly a money maker. It will cost the city more in legal costs.
Let me guess, Focus Construction will be one of the contractors, remember the drug money laundered by it's owner while he was a contractor that worked on home-fix up programs administered by the city
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
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Rusty Shackleford
September 18, 2012, 6:08am
Guest User
Whoa, whats this about Focus? I must have been in the keys when that happened. I was thinking of having them do some work here.
Drug plea shatters cocaine operation Civitello masterminded system, laundered $500K in cash
Author: JANINE KAVA
Gazette Reporter Date: October 30, 1997 Publication: Daily Gazette, The (Schenectady, NY) Edition:Schenectady Albany; Final Column: Length: 700 Words Page: B-03
ALBANY - A Schenectady man suspected by police for years of distributing cocaine throughout the region faces at least 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal drug charge, authorities said.
Jeffrey Civitello, 26, pleaded in U.S. District Court to a single count of conspiracy to distribute five kilos (11 pounds) or more of cocaine from 1994 through 1996.
He also pleaded guilty to money laundering, admitting that he ran close to $500,000 in proceeds from his drug...
Quoted Text
Civitello gets 6 years after conspiracy plea Joint federal, local investigation led to conviction
Author: MICHAEL DeMASI Gazette Reporter Date: January 29, 1999 Publication: Daily Gazette, The (Schenectady, NY) Edition:Schenectady Albany; Final Column: Length: 324 Words Page: B-02
A major cocaine dealer who supplied drugs in the Schenectady area for 7 years was sentenced to prison Tuesday on federal counts of conspiracy and filing false statements on a credit application.
Jeffrey Civitello was sentenced to 6 years in prison and 5 years probation by U.S. District Court Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. in Syracuse.
Civitello must also forfeit $50,000, pay $27,700 in restitution and a $200 fine, according to U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Maroney.
The..
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Civitello faces IRS investigation
Author: JANINE KAVA Gazette Reporter Date: September 13, 1997 Publication: Daily Gazette, The (Schenectady, NY) Edition:Schenectady Albany; Final Column: Length: 181 Words Page: B-03 SCHENECTADY - A city man awaiting trial for allegedly intimidating a witness also is having his business practices investigated by city, state and federal authorities, Schenectady Police Chief Gregory T. Kaczmarek said Friday.
Authorities on Thursday executed an Internal Revenue Search warrant at 337 Duane Ave., the home of 25-year-old Jeffrey Civitello.
They seized records and documents relating to Civitello's construction business, Kaczmarek said.
We have...
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
SCHENECTADY Company wants to restore old buildings Preservationists feared State Street structures would be razed BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter
Two unusual historic buildings left to rot downtown are finally being restored. Focus Construction has purchased the Morgan Building at 322 State St. and its owner says it has an option to buy the Foster Building, at 508 State St. The company plans to spend $2.3 million repairing both structures. And unlike the previous owners, who did no work to maintain the buildings, Focus has already started fixing the Foster Building’s roof and has applied for the many pricey permits needed to repair the Morgan Building, according to the company. Both buildings have unusual, century-old facades that have somehow survived the ravages of time intact. The Morgan Building, which was badly damaged in a fire last year and is difficult to repair because it abuts the railroad bridge, is one of just four buildings in the Capital Region with a cast-iron facade. The unusual, blueish facade was untouched by the fire and stands out even now, when the rest of the burnt-out building is covered with boards. The Foster Building has also been crumbling while the rest of downtown came back to life. But the intricate facade, which covers six stories with bouquets, leaves and other designs, is still in good condition. Foster has one of the most highly decorated terra cotta facades in the region. For a time, it looked like both buildings were heading toward demolition. The Morgan Building sat vacant for many years, housing a series of homeless men who climbed in the windows, drank, and on at least three occasions, set the place on fire. City officials were so pessimistic about the chance of anyone rehabbing it after last year’s fire that they lobbied for it to be destroyed. Historic preservationists begged them to give the owner a chance, and the city gave in after learning it would cost up to $250,000 to knock it down. The city pushed harder for restoration of the Foster Building, but officials estimated that it would take at least $1 million to fix it up. With another $1 million for the asking price, no one was interesting in taking on the project. Preservationists despaired, saying they were watching the slow death of an architectural treasure. But now, both buildings may be on the path to recovery. Although city officials emphasized that Focus Construction has taken on a huge task by attempting both projects at once, they praised the company for immediately starting work. “I have to give him credit,” said Metroplex Development Chairman Ray Gillen, who has been trying to market the Foster Building for more than a year. “We’ve been trying to get these building redeveloped and he’s out there. It’s very positive to see people taking on a tough rehab project, and these are both going to be tough.” He was referring to Jeffrey Civitello, owner of Focus Construction. AGGRESSIVE SCHEDULE Officials were also startled, but gratifi ed, to hear the company’s aggressive schedule for the Morgan Building. Work is slated to take just 120 days. “Wow,” said Corporation Counsel L. John Van Norden. “We waited more than a year with the other owner — we’re still trying to prosecute him.” Garner Properties LLC faces multiple code violation tickets. Civitello said he will work quickly because long projects cost more money. “The difference is, I’m spending my money,” he said. “Developers who get the building for $1 and have Metroplex paying their way can take their time.” He bought the Morgan Building for $37,000 and plans to spend another $200,000 on the rehab. The first floor will be converted into a cafe, while the second floor will be marketed as commercial space and the top floor will become apartments. He expects a cafe to do well. “There’s really no place to eat after 9, 10 o’clock at night,” Civitello said. “With all the bars and the bus stop right there, I figure that’s a sure shot.” The sale price, reached at auction, was so low that he will have no trouble financing the repairs, he added. “At this stage, we can’t lose,” he said. Civitello is not receiving any aid from Metroplex, which has offered grants and loans on many of the major projects downtown. But Metroplex did not try to show the fire-damaged building and Gillen confirmed that his agency isn’t involved in Civitello’s project. It was not clear why — Civitello said he’d be happy to accept money from the agency. “We tried to hook up with the Metroplex, to be in their little crew of people … but they’re very selective, so what we’re doing is with private financing,” Civitello said. “If they have a project they want us to do, I’m happy to do it. Otherwise we’re going to have a cafe on the first floor.” Metroplex also does not appear to be supporting Civitello’s work at the Foster Building. Gillen said that he would continue to show Foster to prospective buyers until Civitello closes on the building. MONEY ON THE TABLE Civitello said he put $60,000 down on a $700,000 sale price and has a signed contract with the owners, but they agreed to a common rehab deal in which he does not close on the building until he finishes the most expensive repairs. That way, Civitello said, he can avoid the cash-flow problem that could result from paying a mortgage while also paying for the repairs. If the owners sell to someone else, they must pay him for his work. Gillen expressed some confusion, saying he has another prospective buyer lined up to view the building today and has not been informed of any signed contracts. He acknowledged that one of the building’s two owners asked him to stop showing the building because Focus had agreed to a deal, but said it’s good business to keep showing the building until someone actually buys it. Civitello, who plans to put at least $2 million of his own money into the project, said he still wants to work with Metroplex on it. “My options are wide open to do what makes them happy,” he said. “There are seven storefronts and they’re beautiful.” He plans to put 26 upscale housing units on the upper floors while turning the second floor into class-A office space. And even though the building sat vacant for nine years, Civitello said, most of it is in good shape. “We started working there a couple weeks ago. We took down the dropped ceilings — there’s beautiful vaulted ceilings,” he said. He expects the work will take 20 months, partly because he’s moving interior walls to turn single-room-occupancy units into classy, two-bedroom apartments. There’s also a lot of interior damage from water pipes that burst in 1999, but Civitello said it’s still head and shoulders above the fire damage at the Morgan Building. Although Gillen would not discuss Civitello’s plans for the Foster Building, he did offer some help on the Morgan Building. Civitello should apply for a facade grant for that project, Gillen said. “We welcome their interest,” Gillen added. “It’s important because it’s on the other side of the rail overpass, where we want to bring growth. It gets development in that direction.”
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Will Focus Construction be one of the Dems chosen contractors??????
Taxpayers have a birthright entitlement to have that question answered
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
So, how is this guy staying in business? He claims to have a boatload of customers in the area - a nice house, impressive vehicles (new), etc. He even had a full color brochure.
I guess I'll go with my second choice. The guy drives a crappy looking van, but he answers the phone personally when I call and his price was pretty competitive (slightly lower actually, which scared me, but he wanted ZERO down to start the job, which impressed me, focus wanted half down). Time to make a phone call.
Funny how that last article never mentions the prior major drug convictions.
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid - John Wayne
TIP TO NEW VISITORS TO THIS FORUM - To improve your blogging pleasure it is recommended to ignore (Through editing your prefere) the posts of the following bloggers - DemocraticVoiceofReason, Scotsgod08 and Smoking Bananas. They continually go off topic, do not provide facts and make irrational remarks. If you do not believe me, this can be proven by their reputation scores or by a sampling of their posts.
Is work completed? I mean, he started it in 2008, it's now almost five years later???
Can you imagine taking five years to reno a foreclosed house?
So, again, taxpayers have a birthright entitlement to know if this company is on the list of "approved contractors" for Mcc's proposed program
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
How is the Foster "rehab" doing? How is the DSS "rehab" doing? These City idiots can't do anything right. This is another rape of the City taxpayers. Another program that will collapse the weak City resale market. The total lack of City leadership is disgusting. The State needs to come in drop Termenix on City Hall and appoint a Control Board.
How is the Foster "rehab" doing? How is the DSS "rehab" doing? These City idiots can't do anything right. This is another rape of the City taxpayers. Another program that will collapse the weak City resale market. The total lack of City leadership is disgusting. The State needs to come in drop Termenix on City Hall and appoint a Control Board.
Even when the City sold homes for $1 a few years back, those people didn't even pay their taxes. The green homes failed as well. Time after time the City's plans fail.
We can keep dancing around the issue but the fact is this "TAXES ARE TOO DAM* HIGH". A homeowner cannot afford a mortgage payment and an equal tax payment every month (yes, taxes are quarterly, but my bank escrows monthly).
Only when taxes are brought down to a level equal to that of other surrounding towns/cities will Schenectady have a chance. Schenectady cannot offer safe neighborhoods, good schools or jobs. There's nothing bringing people here to stay........
Even when the City sold homes for $1 a few years back, those people didn't even pay their taxes. The green homes failed as well. Time after time the City's plans fail.
We can keep dancing around the issue but the fact is this "TAXES ARE TOO DAM* HIGH". A homeowner cannot afford a mortgage payment and an equal tax payment every month (yes, taxes are quarterly, but my bank escrows monthly).
Only when taxes are brought down to a level equal to that of other surrounding towns/cities will Schenectady have a chance. Schenectady cannot offer safe neighborhoods, good schools or jobs. There's nothing bringing people here to stay........
Rachel72, although we have had our differences of opinion, you have stated the situation quite well. Good job.
Even when the City sold homes for $1 a few years back, those people didn't even pay their taxes. The green homes failed as well. Time after time the City's plans fail.
We can keep dancing around the issue but the fact is this "TAXES ARE TOO DAM* HIGH". A homeowner cannot afford a mortgage payment and an equal tax payment every month (yes, taxes are quarterly, but my bank escrows monthly).
Only when taxes are brought down to a level equal to that of other surrounding towns/cities will Schenectady have a chance. Schenectady cannot offer safe neighborhoods, good schools or jobs. There's nothing bringing people here to stay........
Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid - John Wayne
TIP TO NEW VISITORS TO THIS FORUM - To improve your blogging pleasure it is recommended to ignore (Through editing your prefere) the posts of the following bloggers - DemocraticVoiceofReason, Scotsgod08 and Smoking Bananas. They continually go off topic, do not provide facts and make irrational remarks. If you do not believe me, this can be proven by their reputation scores or by a sampling of their posts.
There really is only a very small handful of foreclosed homes. Those few will sell quickly and at great profit to the city. The tax base is increasing and the great Democratic team of Mayor Gary, Metroplex leader Gillen, and her honorable chair, Ms. Dagostino, and our great democratic majority county legislature are doing a splendid job. The RENAISSANCE continues!
ROFL.
EVIDENCE??????
Didn't think you would produce any
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Schenectady plans to turn foreclosed property into profits
Posted at: 09/17/2012 11:13 PM | Updated at: 09/18/2012 12:12 AM By: Dan Bazile
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SCHENECTADY -- Many Schenectady residents got the boot this month after falling far behind on their property taxes.
"We have to get the message out that people have to pay their property taxes," said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.
He added that there's a large number of people who have not paid their taxes and that's created a foreclosure problem where city officials are taking over properties they don't really want. They came up with a plan and presented it to the city council Monday night. If approved, the foreclosed homes will be evaluated, sold to a contractor for $1 with the agreement the home will be renovated and sold on the market at a higher price. The city gets half the profit.
"We don't know it's going to work. But from the enthusiastic response we've had from a number of people, we fully expect that it will," said John Polster, the city attorney.
The responses are coming from companies like Prudential. But the program has never been tested before, according McCarthy. Times are tough for cities across the country. Schenectady officials said this is a pilot program and other cities are looking at it and may end up doing the same thing if it works. McCarthy said the old way of selling these homes for $1 to anyone just to get them back on the tax rolls, isn't working.
"We're not looking for the quick fix. We're not looking for the quick cash. We don't want people who don't have the wherewithal to own property," McCarthy said.
The city took in 155 properties this month. Officials say the vast majority of them can be rehabbed. Some are vacant lots while others are so far gone, they'll have to be torn down. Many of those homes are also in depressed areas. But city officials feel their plan will make them desirable to families.
"We're going to concentrate our efforts on areas at a time. So when we get into a depressed or blighted area, we're going to work on the entire area," said Schenectady Building Inspector Eric Shilling.
Schenectady plans to take in an additional 200 homes next month. The city attorney says they'll know in the course of four to six months whether the program is falling into place.
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How is the Foster "rehab" doing? How is the DSS "rehab" doing? These City idiots can't do anything right. This is 
