For Immediate Release: August 2, 2021

City of Utica Update: Olbiston Apartments

To protect the health and safety of tenants residing in the Olbiston Apartments, the City of Utica posted the building on July 15th and ordered it be vacated by July 30th due to gross negligence of the building owners.  As a result of successful collaboration with Oneida County and local service providers, the overwhelming majority of Olbiston tenants have been relocated to either temporary, transitional or permanent housing.  At this time, approximately 5 Olbiston tenants have not yet been relocated.    

All Olbiston residents have been offered services and assistance to secure housing, and the city will continue its efforts to relocate the remaining Olbiston tenants.  If any tenants refuse to comply with the city’s mandate to vacate the unsafe premise, the city will file an Order to Vacate in New York State Supreme Court.  

In conversations with service providers, one of the biggest needs for tenants is furniture as many of the new housing locations are not allowing furniture in its facilities due to concerns about the Olbiston’s condition.  To address this issue, the City of Utica, Compassion Coalition and the Salvation Army Utica Corps are partnering to host a furniture giveaway for displaced Olbiston tenants.

The giveaway will take place on Thursday August 5th at 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army (14 Clinton Place). The city is also asking for volunteers with trucks to help move furniture to apartments and storage facilities for Olbiston residents.  Anyone interested in being a moving volunteer should arrive at the Salvation Army at 1 p.m.  Among the items available for Olbiston residents are couches, chairs, coffee makers, pet beds, dressers, dishware and end tables.

The city thanks the Salvation Army for hosting the giveaway and Compassion Coalition for donating 22 pallets of furniture and appliances.  The city will be covering moving and shipping fees.