Two recent op-eds in local newspapers address the issue of blight though coming from differing angles.

The Times News piece, uses a problem property for the past 30 years as an impetus to call for a greater focus on blight. However, the piece in the Altoona Mirror advocates for a continual focus on blight and “the challenge involves moving the issue forward, rather than allowing it to retreat into limbo.”

The latter does provide several interesting comments.

Specifically, the challenge a community faces when aggressively challenging the “bad apples” to ensure the messaging is accurate.
“Messages also must not create a misconception that the city is being undermined by a flood of bad landlords. It is not. There are many good landlords here but, unfortunately, there also are some who local officials would rather see renting properties somewhere else.”

Additionally, the op-ed acknowledges that Altoona’s blight is not unlike that which other cities are dealing and that other Pennsylvania (and other states) cities have the same problem, perhaps problems of a larger scale.

Therefore if a solution works elsewhere it should be replicated.

Finally, one profound quote, “What must always be kept in mind, though, are the broad negative ramifications of this creeping cancer that, in reality, should be easier to prevent than to heal.”

Unfortunately, often times blight only gets on local leaders radar when there is a property like the one featured in the Times News piece. There are tools and strategies that could and should be implemented that are preventative. A VPRO is one primary example.

Though Altoona is keeping the foot on the gas in this ongoing challenge, they and others should continue to think creatively and utilize all available resources, including the right public-private collaborations.

 

 

A headline like this “Aroostook County landfill cuts towns a break on blighted buildings” shouldn’t be newsworthy, as collaboration between all levels of government should be the norm. However as it appears to not be the norm, it warrants highlighting.

“Aroostook Waste Solutions, co-owned by Caribou, Limestone, Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle, began a pilot program aimed at decreasing the financial burden of blight. Municipalities do not have to pay tipping fees for demolition debris brought to Tri-Community Landfill in Fort Fairfield, so long as they do not exceed 500 total tons of debris, divided among the four communities.”

To view the article, please click here.

Previously reported in November 2022, The University of Memphis School of Law’s Neighborhood Preservation Clinic represents the City of Memphis in public nuisance lawsuits seeking recourse against the owners of badly neglected, vacant and abandoned properties.

As a new semester commences with new law students, new media reports on the “win-win” scenario.

“Everybody wins in these scenarios,” said Tarik Terry, another third-year law student. “For us as law students, we win by getting experience. And the city of Memphis will have ten excellent lawyers coming in to play in the 2024 when we graduate in May.”

For more information, please click on following links:

Fox13 ‘Everybody wins’: How Memphis law students work to fight blight

Action News 5 U of M law students sue owners of blighted property

Local Memphis How University of Memphis law students are helping neighbors fight blight in their communities

In a full length feature, WTVG discussed various efforts underway in Toledo to address blight.

Community engagement is a critical component of any successful strategy. What we hope to be an ongoing feature highlighting unique approaches, solutions etc., we are sharing this website discussed at the end of WYVG’s video segment.

https://toledo.oh.gov/residents/neighborhoods/revitalization/neighborhood-associations

This website feature an interactive map of the neighborhood associations with each listing providing,

As the website states,

“We seek to empower residents to create the kind of neighborhood they desire by working together. Neighborhood associations offer excellent opportunity to improve your neighborhood and develop a spirit of community and pride. Organized neighbors send a message that everyone is working together to build their community.”

 

 

 

Originally reported on in May 2022, Colorado homeowners were experiencing what was reported as “predatory” behavior, such as aggressive code violation enforcement and penalties, along with foreclosure.

Now in a feature from the Denver Post:

“Lawmakers have introduced several reform bills that would restrict foreclosures from delinquent fees and require HOAs and metro districts to adopt written policies, enhance notifications to homeowners and add licensing requirements for professional managers. The legislation would also set regulations on how much homeowners can be charged. HOAs would be required to work with homeowners before beginning any foreclosure proceedings”

The new bills introduced so far during the 2024 session include:

To view the article in its entirety, please click here.