City advances in effort to remediate abandoned properties

The city published its revised list of Abandoned Properties on October 18, 2006. The list appears below. The city’s Public Officer has determined that these 27 properties are “abandoned” as defined by state law and the city’s recently enacted “Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Ordinance”. The city has notified these owners that unless they rehabilitate their properties, the city will have no alternative but to proceed with its own plan to have the properties rehabilitated at the owner’s expense.

The Public Officer’s “Notice of Determination” attaches to the county’s property record for each property on the list. The notice stays on file until the property is rehabilitated. Under the law, the city has the authority to repair, demolish or develop these properties or to hire a rehabilitation entity to do the work. When the work is completed, the city can sell the property and reimburse the owner after deducting all costs for rehabilitation. The city can also apply to the Superior Court to take these properties under eminent domain if necessary.

Offending property owners can appeal the city’s determination. Once the initial appeals are exhausted, the city will commence lawsuits against the owners and take the next steps in accordance with law. The city will file its lawsuits in order of severity and will use all available resources to ensure that the properties are rehabilitated.

The Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation project is part of the city’s continued effort to eliminate blight and to increase the aesthetic and economic value of all properties within the city.

Abandoned Properties List

Earlier Press Release