Georgia and Alexandra Yazy, the owners of Fort Montgomery’s ‘Bagel Café’ building (1048 Rt. 9W), were at last week’s Highlands Town Board meeting to respond to property maintenance violations that they received on the building in January.

The end result of the short hearing is that the women have 30 days to make repairs to the building, which has sat empty for several years becoming, Supervisor Bob Livsey has said at several board meetings this year “an eyesore”. The bagel business has been closed for several years.

The women said they did not know exactly what was required of them. Building Inspector Phil Hannawalt, who was at the hearing, said that he will provide them with a list of violations. Prior to the hearing the building did receive some fresh paint, they noted, and they said they have been in contact with a company to talk about either repairing or removing the bedraggled awnings.

Town Attorney Justin Rider ran the hearing noting that “most of the work is cosmetic, not structural”, intended so that “there is a better appearance for the community”.

The Yazys did ask for more than 30 days, but Rider, with the board members agreeing, said 30 days was the typical length of time a board allows to see “real effort” and noted that the period could be extended if that happens.

“The town wants to ensure this will be done in a timely manner,” Rider said. He added that if it is not, the town can do the necessary work and put a lien on the property (plus a 15 percent surcharge for the cost of repairs) or take the matter to court.