BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County has commenced the foreclosure process on a property in the town of Gouverneur but before continuing, Atlantic Testing Laboratories needs to complete an environmental review.

County legislators signed off on the contract during Feb. 26 for the property located at 45 Murdock Street.

According to the resolution passed, the property owned by the Reddick Revocable Trust is currently delinquent on real property taxes due totaling $22,487.99, with an additional $14,299.77 owed in fees, penalties and interest for a total of $36,787.76.

Delinquent real property taxes totaling $12,430.26 along with $9,155.31 in fees, penalties and interest are also owed on the property for a total of $21,585.57.

According to St. Lawrence County Attorney Steve Button, the property is a formerly commercial business with tanks and drums on site.

With the board signing off the contract with Atlantic testing, Button said it will allow for the "continuation of exploration with respect to the property," and the contents of the drums.

"The expenditure of this money would allow us to test the items that are contained in the drums and potentially get additional quotes for the removal of those materials so that we can finish our foreclosure process and send it to auction," Button told legislators.

Legislator Harry Smithers, who represents Gouverneur, spoke to the town and village's interest in purchasing the property, saying both expressed interest over two years ago.

"That property is partially in the town and partially in the village. Both have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continue to do so," he said.

As part of the foreclosure process, Smithers questioned whether a discussion could be had between the county and representatives from the town and village of Gouverneur before it is sent to auction.

Smithers also forwarded a letter to fellow legislators and Button in December, the second time such a letter was submitted by representatives in Gouverneur professing interest in the property.

"Could you let the mayor and town supervisor come and explain their desire to purchase this or should it be on hold until it's cleaned up," Smithers asked.

Button informed Smithers and the other legislators that the property would need to be cleaned up prior to that discussion, saying both parties have shown interest "for some time."

Over the past two years, Button said the topic was broached with the board of legislators before and interest has not waned for the town or village to purchase the property.

"We at least need to hold off until we are able to close off the contamination component before discussing dispossessing the county of that property to the town and village," Button said.  

This is the second time the board has approved a contract to investigate the property following an initial investigation that was conducted by Odin Environmental.

Following that investigation, it was determined that further work was required to investigate and address the drums and other storage containers located on the property. It is unknown what materials may be contained within the drums and whether or not the substances are potentially hazardous.

Atlantic Testing will assess and inventory the contents contained at the site, followed by recommendations for characterization sampling and analysis, county officials say.

Under the proposal from Atlantic Testing, the initial assessment will be completed, followed by a quote for any additional sampling and analysis, coupled with the cost to remove the items after test results are received.

The resolution now moves to the full board for final approval at the full board meeting in March.