Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Medford Police Effort Underway to Create Ordinance Requiring Vacant/Foreclosed Property Registry.

Medford Mail Tribune news stories are HERE and HERE.

Community Development Commission minutes say

April 1st
Problem Properties Committee: Karen Blair reported that we are moving forward with the Medford Police Department taking the lead on graffiti removal efforts with its volunteers. Ms. Dix said that there has been excellent interdepartmental cooperation between Police and Public Works on this project.


March 4th
LeArta said that the committee also discussed a proposed vacant property registration program similar to rental registration but for residential properties that are vacant or abandoned. The ordinance was drafted by Code Enforcement and is based on a successful model from Chula Vista, California.

Discussion followed on the definition of vacant and the time factor for vacancy. Marlene Yesquen voted to recommend City Council support the ordinance for vacant property registration with a clarification of “vacant” or “abandoned”. Melodee Sewell seconded. Motion carried. The Code Enforcement division was commended for getting a grip on this problem before it gets out of control. Discussion followed on foreclosure and the impact on whole neighborhoods such as Vista Point. Louise said that when the Neighborhood Leadership Academy participants were surveying Hawthorne that in that tiny neighborhood of 140 houses, there were at least 3 foreclosed properties.


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