The city is looking to take possession of the former Parsells Ave. Community Church in northeast Rochester.
In a court filing Monday, the city argued the century-old, historic brick structure with arched stained and leaded glass windows has been abandoned and "has become a danger to life, health and safety as a result of the owner’s longstanding failure to make repairs.”
Beechwood neighbors have complained about the building for years, as it was passed from owner to owner who failed to maintain and secure the structure.
The last sale was recorded in 2022 for $100,000 to Lucky Note Inc. of Rochester. Property taxes went unpaid starting in 2024, records show. The property has outstanding exterior code violations dating back to October 2022
City officials posted a notice of abandonment in April, and mailed notice to the owner, who did not respond, according to the court filing.
The oldest part of the building dates to 1901, and it has been listed on the state and national register of historic places since 2010, records show.
