In February we reported on the various challenges to nuisance property legislation across the country. In a recent development, the city of Bedford, OH agreed to stop enforcing their nuisance ordinance as a result ofREAD MORE
National Guard “Clean and Seal” Program
The National Guard has an innovative program call “Clean and Seal” providing temporary relief for communities struggling with abandoned properties. The guardsmen donate their time, effort, and tools through the Nation Guard’s Counterdrug Joint Task Force.READ MORE
New York State Zombie Property Remediation Act of 2019
The Zombie Property Remediation Act of 2019 was passed by both houses in June, continues to be championed by local legislators, and await the Governor’s signature. A recent article in The Post-Journal discusses theREAD MORE
Supreme Court strikes blow against states that raise revenue by hefty fines, forfeitures
A February 2019 article in USA Today discusses a US Supreme Court unanimous ruling stating, that states cannot impose excessive fees, fines and forfeitures as criminal penalties. “The decision, which united the court’s conservatives and liberals, makesREAD MORE
New York State “Zombies 2.0” – Attorney General James Announces Funds To Combat Zombie Homes And Revitalize Neighborhoods
On July 10th, New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced the recipients of $9 million in grants to address the growing statewide issue of “zombie homes” – vacant or abandoned homes that are not maintained duringREAD MORE
GAO-19-517 Improved Procedures and Assessment Could Increase Efficiency of Foreclosed Property Conveyances
As FHA insured mortgages continue to increase its market share, additional focus should be placed on the policies FHA/HUD have in place to address properties whose loan becomes delinquent and the property is abandoned. OnREAD MORE
Housing Landscape – New Policies on Single-Family Zoning
In a recent article, the New York Times discusses recent legislative actions across the country focused on single-family that is expected to impact the housing landscape. Areas discussed include Oregon: Legislature considering a law thatREAD MORE
Abandoned Properties and Blight due to……Pyrrhotite?
As far back as 2016, the State of Connecticut identified a significant issue with deficient concrete resulting in crumbling basements and foundations. The crisis prompted the state to create an official web page dedicated toREAD MORE
H.R.2390 – Clean Up Our Neighborhoods Act of 2019
Following is the Press Release from Congressman Tim Ryan discussing the introduction (on 4/29/19) of H.R.2390 – “Clean Up Our Neighborhoods Act of 2019” To view a related media article from WFMJ, please click here. CongressmanREAD MORE
Murphy shoots down foreclosure online database measure
A recent article from NJBiz discusses a conditional veto from Gov. Phil Murphy on legislation that would have required the Department of Community Affairs to create an online database and interactive map of residential propertiesREAD MORE
City of Mobile to use Plexiglass to fight blight
As the loudest and strongest advocate for “clearboarding” my late father-in-law Robert Klein would be proud of Mobile’s approach to addressing blight. Replacing plywood boards with plexiglass/polycarbonate is a simple but powerful solution. See forREAD MORE
Foreclosure Crisis Impacts on Local Voter Participation
Following is a press release from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, discussing how the most recent foreclosure crisis negatively impacted voter turnout. Foreclosure Crisis Eroded Milwaukee Voter Turnout The foreclosure crisis that accompanied the Great RecessionREAD MORE