NORWICH – For years, some properties in the City of Norwich have caused a constant problem to city code enforcement officers. Condemned, burned out or abandoned properties are often left standing in shambles for years before anything can be done, but the city is now looking into ways to expedite the process.
According to Mayor Joseph Maiurano, for the second year in a row, the city will be applying for the Restore New York Grant. Although the grant was not received last year, Maiurano seemed hopeful that Norwich would have better luck during this round.
“The Restore New York Grant provides money to tear down buildings and re-build new residences in their place,” Maiurano explained. The city would have to obtain the properties before any work could be done, but according to the mayor several properties have already been acquired by the city. He pointed out a property on Grove Ave. that has been boarded up for 20 years and a burned out property on Fair Street as examples of properties that could be revitalized through the grant funding.
“We’re going for the second round of funding right now,” Maiurano said. “We should have word by the end of next week.” If the city does receive this round of grant funding, building could begin as early as 2008.
“We’ve been working with Albany, and we feel we will be able to get the grant this time. We’ve met all the requirements we needed to meet,” the mayor said.
The city is also looking into new city legislation that might force property owners to act within a time frame on problem properties.
“The legislation could say if a property is burned out or chronically vacant, you have a certain amount of time before it must be torn down,” Maiurano said. The legislation would not apply to all vacant structures, but those that are not structurally maintained. “Vacant buildings have to be maintained structurally. If they’re dilapidated, property owners have to make the decision to fix and maintain them, or tear them down.” The mayor could not say with certainty what the time frame for the condemned properties would be, since the possible legislation is still being investigated.
The city has been concerned with the issue of chronically vacant and burned out buildings for some time. Earlier this year, Second Ward Alderwoman Suzanne Williams asked Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence what could be done about the condemned properties in the city. Lawrence responded by saying as long as the property taxes were paid, the city couldn’t legally do anything. The possible legislation may give the city the ability to change that.
If the city does proceed with the vacant structure legislation, it will be at least three to five months before the legislation is put into action. “We’re as puzzled with these problem properties as anyone else,” Maiurano said. “We’re looking for a solution, but it takes time and money.” The mayor encourages city residents to be patient and take not of the good things that are happening in the city.