Land Stewardship
The university owns all of Cornell's land. The land is assigned to the colleges and departments by the Provost for their use. This land stewardship assignment can change as the needs of the university change.
In some cases, the using unit bears the expense of maintenance, taxes (assessments), utilities, etc.
If you have property that you don't use, there may be someone else at Cornell who could use it. If no one at Cornell needs the land, for present or future needs, it is excess and can be sold. Proceeds from land sales go to the fund which purchased the property, not to the last college to use the land. Restricted gifts and some specially designated natural areas are an exception.
Your point of contact in the Real Estate Department is Tom LiVigne, phone 607.266.7871.