Blighted Property Review Committee

MINUTES BLIGHTED PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 19, 2021 Chairperson Kevin Brown called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. The meeting was held virtually on a GoTo Meeting platform. With the exception of Rebecca Swanson, all members of the Committee were present along with Charlie Weller and Stephanie Drobins from the Department of Licensing and Inspections, Chuck Garner, Borough solicitor, and Judy Memberg of Genesis Housing. Ryan Procsal made a motion, seconded by Brian Hydier, to approve the April 21, 2021, Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Charlie Weller reported that the property at 674 Walnut Street was now occupied and therefore through operation of law, the Committee could no longer consider processing this property. Charlies Weller also reported that the property at 418 Cherry Street is now Code compliant. Kevin Brown made a motion, seconded by Ryan Procsal, to remove the property from the Blighted Property Review Committee list. The motion carried unanimously. Charlie Weller reported that the constable had made service on the property owners of 357 Chestnut Street, 450 South Street, and 566 High Street. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the constable serving these properties so promptly. In addition, Charlie Weller reported that the Violation Notice Letter was served, via certified mail, on the owner of 306 N. Evans Street on April 30, 2021. The Committee learned that 310 N. York Street was still awaiting its court hearing date. The Committee further authorized constable service on the owner of 784 Farmington Avenue through motion made by Kevin Brown, seconded by Ryan Procsal, which carried unanimously. The Committee deferred any action on 1057 South Street to a future meeting so that all Committee Members could inspect the property. It was noted that the property in question would be the rear unit for review of possible blight. Finally, there was discussion concerning 329 Walnut Street. Charlie Weller reported that the property was under arson investigation. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Brown requested an update on the status of properties within the priority zone. The Department of Licensing and Inspections reported that Notices had been provided, particularly regarding sidewalk conditions. Several property owners have acknowledged the need to repair the sidewalks and have asked for extensions of time. The Committee discussed the possibility of a bus tour at a future meeting. Due to the ongoing pandemic, it was suggested that a hybrid tour occur in the event some members wish to follow in their own vehicles. The Department of Licensing and Inspections was tasked to come up with a potential list of properties for inspection. The solicitor noted that if the bus tour was to occur, there would need to be a proper advertisement. The Committee agreed to await results from the Department of Licensing and Inspections. If there were sufficient properties to be inspected, the tour could be scheduled. There were no members of the public present to provide any comment. Deb Penrod noted that Lisa Vanni had been appointed as a member to the Land Bank. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:39 p.m.