Mayor Galime Announces Removal of Trailers from Exit 31 Site

After several months of legal action, the infamous North Utica trailers have been removed, thanks to efforts led by Mayor Galime.

Mayor Galime's Statement:

"At the beginning of the year, this Administration inherited the issue of construction trailers being stored on land off Exit 31. Although this is private property, the appropriate zoning was not in place. When efforts to work with the landowner to remove the trailers stalled, I had no choice but to pursue legal action through the Supreme Court. While I strive to collaborate with taxpayers and stakeholders, I campaigned on a commitment to process and procedure, making legal action necessary."

Timeline of Legal Actions and Resolution:

• 7/18/2024: Petition filed by Willscott Mobile Mini to overturn the denial of the Temporary Use Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
• 8/8/2024: The City files an answer and responsive affidavits in opposition.
• 9/5/2024: Plaintiff files a reply affidavit.
• 9/11/2024: A conference is held with all parties and Hon. Mark Rose. A settlement is reached, with an agreement to enter into an Order on Consent. The agreement stipulated that all trailers must be removed by 11/30/2024. Failure to comply would result in fines of $500 for the first trailer and $250 for each additional trailer per day.
• 10/30/2024: Order signed and filed by Judge Rose.
• 11/25/2024: All trailers were removed from the property. (On June 17, 2024, there were 94 trailers, with estimates of over 130 at the peak.)

Mayor Galime Adds:

"I am pleased that the trailers have finally been removed and that the legal process worked. I want to thank all members of my administration who contributed to this effort, and I’m happy to provide peace of mind to the concerned constituents."