ELMIRA, NY (WENY) -- In Elmira's 'Fight Against Blight' the list of landlords with code violations is roughly 20 pages long for July. The property owner for the former Erie Plaza in Elmira is on the list and he said he's trying to get the right permits to be able to move forward and bring businesses into the area again.

"I would like to start it as soon as possible, but the issue is with me that if the authorities can give me a firm commitment for the support in that area of the incentives and all sort of the support from the city of Elmira from the county of Chemung and the New York State if they commit something with me in writing, only then I'm going to start my investment," said Jawed Syed, the property owner of 826 Erie Street in Elmira.

The property at 826 Erie St. is a former shopping plaza that has sat vacant for many years. Chemung County property tax records show it was purchased by Tasty Alimentos, LLC in 2022 for $33,100 from Chemung County. According to the city's 'Fight Against Blight' list, it said the "building is very unsafe and is in disrepair, partially collapsed."

Syed said he's aware of the violation, but needs the correct permits to be able to move forward.

"The city code inspector sent me the notice of violation and I replied to him. I explained to him how I'm going to [move] forward [with] my business... After a lot of effort, I tried to contact the engineering companies in your area and surveyors. Finally, one of my architects is currently working on it. I am getting the 3D drawing from the architect and then I'm going to contact the city to apply for a permit with this drawing," said Syed.

Syed said he's reached out to franchises like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and some fried chicken restaurants. The plan would be to have retail stores and parking in the front and a food manufacturing business in the back part of the parcel.