SYRACUSE -- The lead attorney for the City of Syracuse calls the man who owns the rundown north side property next to the closed Interstate 81 and "irresponsible private citizen." Corporation Counsel Juanita Perez Williams called an unusual evening news conference at City Hall to make it clear who must tear the building down and reopen the highway. She said, " it's important to note New York State is responsible for the project to clear the imminent harm to Interstate 81."

About a week and a half after Governor Paterson assured Mayor Stephanie Miner that New York would take care of the problem the governor's own political and legal problems have brought into question whether Albany will keep Syracuse off the hook for the high costs of the project.

Perez Williams said on Thursday night, "We want to help them. We know what they're legally obligated to do, so really it's our position we will help where we can... Where we have the resources to help, but we know what our limitations are. In the end, we know the project will get done by the State of New York."

The state has hired an engineering firm to help gain access to the property. They will now work through the courts to gain a temporary easement while negotiations with the city and the private property owner continue to seek other solutions. The court process is likely to take several weeks before demolition could even begin.