Council outlines aggressive strategy to tackle vacant properties

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant developments regarding property management and illegal dumping in the community. The council is finalizing a briefing for over 7,900 properties aimed at supporting small emerging developers and homeowners looking to renovate. This initiative will require annual reporting to the Council and mandates that any bond issuance be approved by the Board of Finance.

A key focus of the meeting was the effectiveness of newly deployed cameras aimed at curbing illegal dumping. Officials reported that the placement of these cameras is driven by a combination of community complaints, hot spot data, and insights from code enforcement inspectors. The cameras have already proven effective in capturing illegal dumping incidents, leading to prosecutions, although challenges remain regarding the quality of images needed for successful legal action.

Additionally, the council addressed the ongoing process of property disposition following in rem foreclosure judgments. Currently, there are 214 judgments, and the city is working to efficiently move these properties into the hands of developers. The Cherry Hill Community Development Corporation is set to take on several properties, with efforts underway to streamline the disposition process to a target of 90 days.

The meeting also highlighted staffing updates within the legal section, where there are currently 11 attorneys and plans to hire additional staff to enhance efficiency in handling in rem cases. The council is actively working on budget requests to support these staffing needs and improve collaboration with the courts to ensure adequate resources for processing cases.

Overall, the discussions underscored a commitment to addressing property management challenges and enhancing community development efforts while tackling illegal dumping effectively.