New monthly report to replace Elmira’s “Fight on Blight” list

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – In a unanimous vote Monday night, the Elmira City Council approved the repeal and replacement of its “Fight on Blight” list of worst landlords.

The council first approved the bi-partisan resolution in April. It was co-sponsored by Mayor Dan Mandell and Fourth District Councilmember Gary Brinn . The original list included names and addresses of rental property owners who had active code violations, were not properly registered, or refused inspections.

Monday’s resolution says Elmira City Manager Michael Collins will now publish a new “Fight on Blight” housing report on the 15th of every month. The city says the report will include “information on programs, partnerships, grants, enforcement actions, including civil filings.” The monthly report will “remain in effect until December 16, 2027.”

On Friday, Mayor Mandell told 18 News t he new monthly report would still include names and addresses of property owners with multiple active code violations, who are “persistent violators.”

In a Facebook post Monday night , councilmember Brinn wrote:

“Tonight, we improved our “Fight on Blight” reporting. The new format is less restrictive, allows us to address landlord concerns, and allows us to celebrate our successes. Don’t let anyone mis-characterize this effort. This was a win for Elmira.”

First District councilmember Nick Grasso issued his own statemen t while replying to Brinn’s post. Grasso said:

“”Repealed in it’s entirety” was the REAL win for Elmira!

It added cumbersome work to an already resource and manpower strained department (code enforcement), without much of any gain for the City or residents. Publishing a list of “naughty landlords” on social media contributes absolutely zero productivity to the “Flight on Blight”. In fact, it’s very counterproductive.

And EXACTLY why I was the only one to vote NO on it (per usual) from the beginning. Evidently, it’s hard for my peers to ever acknowledge, let alone admit that I’m right about anything, however the record says it all!”

Councilmember Grasso was among the “ayes” in a 6-0 vote Monday to repeal and replace the original law. Fifth District councilmember Jackie Wilson was absent.

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