An interesting article that discusses a logical and positive approach to addressing the universal concern of squatters, ends by discussing troubling legislation being proposed in the Hawaii Legislature. From the preamble in the legislation oneREAD MORE
Don’t Take on Unnecessary Risks
Perhaps I’m missing something but the recent enactment in Windber, PA of a rental registry struck me as odd. Rental registration ordinances are commonplace throughout the country. For the most part the programs and requiredREAD MORE
NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli Report “Foreclosure Update: Signs of Progress”
Mortgage foreclosure filings across New York state dropped 46 percent between 2013 and 2018 according to a report issued by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, titled, “Foreclosure Update: Signs of Progress” Interestingly, local communitiesREAD MORE
Canton OH Commercial Property Registration Challenges
A recent article discusses the challenges Canton is facing garnering compliance with their commercial property registration ordinance. Eerily similar to an earlier article regarding San Francisco. See following quotes. Canton – “However, several vacant buildingsREAD MORE
Getting off the Hamster Wheel
True story. Several years ago, I was invited to present to the City Council and heads of the fire, police and building departments for a larger (200,000+) city on “zombie foreclosures” etc. First to arriveREAD MORE
Community Engagement in Jamestown NY
Sometimes simplicity is all that is needed. No need to over complicate matters. Jamestown NY has a clear section on its homepage to allow constituents to report a vacant property. For communities that may notREAD MORE
Oswego NY Blight Reduction Loan Program
In a positive step another local government is utilizing the tax rolls to address blight in their community. After years of hearing the frustration over “clean and lien” programs (both having to “clean” and thenREAD MORE
Challenges to Nuisance Property Legislation
Update May 2, 2024 As a direct result of the lawsuit filed in Bedford OH, Mount Vernon OH is discussing repealing its own ordinance. For more information, please click here. Update January 11, 2023 AREAD MORE
Greater Ohio Policy Center “Misconceptions About Vacant Property Registries”
Wonderful report by Greater Ohio Policy Center titled “Misconceptions About Vacant Property Registries”. Specifically, the report discusses; What is a VPRO (Vacant Property Registration Ordinances)? VPRO three main objectives Benefits of a VPRO Self sustaining programREAD MORE
Mount Vernon OH Confusion surrounds vacant property registry
Interesting article that discusses some of the nuances inherent with vacant commercial property registration and the attempt to draft proper language. Article provides comments from the Mayor, various councilmembers and the Law Director on severalREAD MORE
Federal Appeals Court: Saginaw vacant property registry doesn’t violate U.S. Constitution
A federal appeals court has rejected a challenge (class-action lawsuit brought by residents) to a Saginaw ordinance that requires owners of vacant properties to allow the city to enter if the property becomes dangerous. TheREAD MORE
GAO “(Vacant Properties) Growing Number Increases Communities’ Costs and Challenges”
In November 2011 the General Accounting Office issued a report titled “(Vacant Properties) Growing Number Increases Communities’ Costs and Challenges. Following are the highlights, the full report and additional information, is available by clicking here. SeeREAD MORE