8 homes – abandoned after Diaz leak 15 years ago – all sold this week
HOLLEY – Eight homes that have been vacant for about 15 years after a leak at the former Diaz Chemical plant have all sold this week.
The houses were recently put on the market and eight purchase offers totaling $192,600 have been accepted for the sites.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency will receive 90 percent of the money after closing costs and real estate service fees are included.
The remaining 10 percent will go to Village of Holley Development Corporation, a village entity tasked with economic and community development.
Dan Schiavone, a local dentist, serves as president of the VHDC. He also was mayor during the chemical leak from Diaz in 2002, which led to the company declaring bankruptcy and go out of business.
Schiavone agreed to lead the VHDC to address blight and vacant properties in Holley. He was concerned the “Diaz homes” would linger on the market.
“I was worried they would be difficult to get rid of,” he said this afternoon. “It was a pleasant surprise.”
The buyers all have to have EPA certified contractors remove lead dust and encapsulate lead paint in the houses. That was a requirement from the EPA before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. The houses were otherwise deemed safe by the EPA.
The homes, which were listed by Jen Passarell of ReMax, were sold at a slight discount from the appraised values from the EPA.
“They were priced to sell,” Schiavone said. “It will be a big plus for the village to have them back on the tax rolls and not be eyesores in the neighborhood.”
The 10 percent that goes to the VHDC may be used for other community cleanup efforts.
“We’re hoping to be able to open a bank account and use this small amount for operating expenses and possibly grant writing related to future projects,” Schiavone said.
