OGDENSBURG — The city has acquired the kosher cheese plant on Main Street for delinquent property taxes.

City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra said Tuesday that St. Lawrence Food Corp., owned by Moise A. Banayan, didn't pay the 2006 tax bill on the property, totaling $89,000. The plant remains open and employs about 50 people.

"The St. Lawrence Food Corp. is continuing to operate the plant, but some things need to be resolved," Mr. Sciorra said. "Our goal is to find a new cheese operator for the plant."

The city acquired the 30 Main St. building and property in late July to protect its investment.

"We had a concern that a new owner might take the equipment and close the plant," Mr. Sciorra said.

St. Lawrence Food Corp., which operates the North Country Manufacturing Inc. kosher plant at 30 Main St., owes the city about $600,000 in delinquent utility payments, property taxes and loans.

Mr. Banayan, who also operates the kosher food operations in Lowville, filed in April for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. He couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.

In the bankruptcy filing, Mr. Banayan listed his assets at between $0 and $50,000 and his liabilities at between $10 million and $50 million. He listed 29 creditors, including Signature Bank of New York City, which is seeking $11 million.

The city and St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency filed a joint foreclosure notice in early July. The county IDA is owed about $335,000 on two loans totaling $500,000.