Municipalities looking to combat growing “zombie” properties in their communities can dispose of the demolished structures for a reduced tipping fee at the regional landfill under the new program offered by the Development Authority of the North Country.

The Community Improvement Demolition Incentive Program is designed to assist municipalities in the Authority’s service area that are working to improve the region’s housing stock by offering reduced tipping fees at the regional landfill to dispose of structures they choose to tear down.

“We know that many communities are looking at their aging housing stock and making decisions about rehabilitation or demolition of so-called zombie properties,” said Development Authority director James W. Wright. “In some cases the age and condition of abandoned residential properties makes demolition the most financially feasible option.”

Disposal costs of demolished structures, however, can be prohibitive.

“It is the Authority’s intention to help those communities that are facing demolition costs by offering them a reduced tipping fee to help facilitate their redevelopment efforts,” Wright said.

This program is available only to municipalities in the Authority’s three-county service area that request assistance for community improvement projects and is not available to individuals or businesses. Municipalities wishing to participate must schedule their projects in advance by contacting the Development Authority’s Regional Materials Management Facility at

315-661-3232. At that time the reduced per-ton tipping fee will be determined, based on the type and amount of material to be disposed of.