City residents demand action to revitalize vacant properties

During a recent Board of Finance meeting, community members voiced concerns about local property conditions and taxation policies. Karen Long, a resident of Henry Street for nearly 40 years, highlighted the increasing number of vacant properties and empty storefronts in the city, urging the board to consider taxing vacant properties as a means to generate revenue and revitalize the area. Long expressed frustration over the deterioration of local buildings and the impact of student housing on neighborhood aesthetics, particularly during events like the annual marathon.

Long suggested that the city could adopt measures similar to those in other municipalities, which provide property owners with ultimatums to either maintain their properties or sell them for development. She pointed to specific locations, including the Vogue place and an old gas station, as valuable properties that could benefit from such policies.

In a separate discussion, former counselor Sharon Pusher raised questions regarding the open space plan contract on the agenda. Pusher expressed her concern over the lack of transparency in the selection process for the contract, noting that the communication did not include details about the proposals or the criteria used for selection. She emphasized the importance of community engagement in the open space protection plan, advocating for a strong organization to manage the fund effectively.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for proactive measures to address urban decay and enhance local engagement in city planning initiatives.