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New Tools in the Blight Fight - Program Descriptions
 Program
#1
Options in dealing with dilapidated or abandoned properties
Local governments are taking a host of actions to do what it takes to ensure that blight doesn't take their neighborhoods down. Often
this takes the form of figuring out what to do about "problem properties" - dilapidated or abandoned properties that are a nuisance to nearby resident and a drain on tax dollars. Deciding which option is best and understanding the legal and practical processes
for each is a challenge for local government officials, given that there isn't a "one size fits all" approach for handling these properties.
This upcoming day-long program will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the various options that are available
for helping to get properties back on the tax rolls - especially changing the ownership from bad to good. This includes conservatorship, sheriff and tax claim sales, land banking demolition and donations. Understanding how and when to each of the available
options is key to effectively and legally managing dilapidated or abandoned properties.
It is also important for local government officials to understand the current state of the mortgage industry and the role of the
various players, including trustees and servicers. Participants will receive a summary of the current mortgage market, as well as the foreclosure situation, and insight on working with these owners to maintain abandoned properties.
Local governments can also play an important role in discouraging abandonment by understanding the resources that are available to
help keep homeowners in the home. A number of programs will be highlighted and participants will receive information resources that they can share with residents.
Instructors include:
Andrew Menchyk,
Attorney, Stepanian & Menchyk, LLP
Megan Ott, Attorney, Goehring, Rutter & Boehm
Tom McDermott, Attorney, Gaitens, Tucceri and Nicholas, P.C.
Devon March, Neighborworks
Dan Sullivan, Action Housing
Program
#2:
Reliable and Fair: Relationships between rental property owners and municipalities
For local governments, the effort to fight blight is also an effort to improve public safety in the community. Doing so requires a strong working relationship between
rental property owners and local government officials.
Implementing a rental registration system gives local governments the opportunity to ensure that properties are in compliance with
various municipal codes; however, rental registration systems have faced their fair share of challenges and can be a contentious issue for many local communities. This program will help local government officials figure it all out by explaining the "Dos and
Don'ts" of rental registration systems as well as insight on working with rental property owners.
Topics that will be covered include:
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The nuts and bolts of rental registration programs, including their purpose, acceptable uses, permitted fess and permits
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Rental safety inspections
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Dealing with out-of-state or overseas absentee rental property owners
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Understanding the tenant-landlord relationship and the responsibilities of each party related to the property
Program #3:
What experience has taught us: How to put together a suite of ordinances to protect neighborhood quality
There is no substitute for experience when it comes to addressing blighted, abandoned and dilapidated properties. Led by a municipal
solicitor, this program will feature a panel of code enforcement and community development professions who will review their experiences and recommend go to devices in blight fight, including ordinances that their communities have enacted and used successfully.
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