New registry aims to tackle abandoned properties crisis

During a recent Harrisburg government meeting, officials discussed a new agreement with HERA, a company tasked with managing the city’s foreclosure registry. The initial contract spans two years, with an automatic one-year renewal contingent on mutual consent. The agreement aims to enhance compliance with local ordinances regarding property management, particularly in the context of foreclosures.

Council members raised questions about the financial structure of the agreement. HERA clarified that there are no upfront or back-end costs for the city; they will retain $125 from each registration fee and 33% of any late fees, with the remainder remitted to the city. The current fee structure remains at $200 for a six-month registration period.

A significant point of discussion was the transparency of data access for city staff. HERA assured council members that all relevant information would be readily available through a secure login system, allowing for real-time monitoring of compliance and property status.

Councilwoman Rawls highlighted the issue of abandoned properties in the city and inquired about innovative solutions, such as using QR codes for public access to property information. HERA expressed willingness to explore such options without additional costs.

The meeting also touched on the differences between HERA's services and those of the previous vendor, which had ceased operations. HERA emphasized its commitment to customer service and high compliance rates, boasting a 90-95% compliance rate compared to the previous vendor's 60-70%. This improvement is attributed to their use of advanced data management techniques, including AI and machine learning.

Council members expressed concerns about property maintenance, particularly regarding overgrown lots and neglected buildings. HERA outlined its strategy for ensuring that banks and property owners are held accountable for property upkeep, including clear communication of local maintenance requirements.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for a more comprehensive approach to managing vacant properties, suggesting that future discussions could lead to the development of a vacant property registry ordinance. Overall, the agreement with HERA represents a proactive step towards improving property management and compliance in Harrisburg.