Old History: The building was built in 1833 as two Federal rowhouses. They were combined in the late 19th century and "modernized" in the Italianate style. The oriel, cornice, and window lintels were added at this time. The building was owned by the Barent Bleecker Family for over 100 years.
Recent History: Current owner, Shereen Khan purchased the building 2006 for $91,000 from Francis McCloskey & William Mafrici. It was previously owned by St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Albany, who sold it to McCloskey & Mafrici for the same price less than two months before the sale to the current owner. The current owner took out a mortgage of $108,000 in 2006 from Bank of America. Following legal troubles in the early 2010s and financial issues, this property, along with nearly a dozen others owned by the current owner, faced foreclosure by Bank of America. Bank of America initiated a foreclosure on 143 Madison Avenue in May 2018. The City of Albany was planning on bringing a concurrent lawsuit against the mortgage servicer utilizing the NYS Zombie Law, but the owner recently satisfied the mortgage and paid off the debt, making her the sole person legally responsible for the building’s condition.
After eleven years of code violations, the City took Ms. Khan to court again yesterday: the City of Albany has brought code violations on this property in 2012, 2015, and 2016, 2018, and 2020. The building has been registered as vacant with the City since 2021. Presently, there are three concurrent code cases in various stages of prosecution . This case originates from violations cited in March 2022 and was initially presented to Albany City Court in August 2022. This case cited the property for issues with exterior stairs, overgrowth, exterior walls in the front and rear of the building, and accumulations of rubbish & garbage. Historic Albany Foundation joined neighbors in writing letters on this case urging the City and City Court to consider the impact of this building being kept vacant on the neighborhood neighbors, and City, and asked for the City judge to levy a strenuous judgment in holding the property owner responsible. On Thursday, Judge Rice awarded a $35,000 judgement against Ms. Khan. The letters written impacted Judge Rice's decision, showing just what can happen when we all speak up for our neighborhoods.
Historic Albany Foundation will continue to support the City of Albany’s efforts in holding this property owner responsible for the deterioration and poor conditions present at 143 Madison Avenue.
