Blight has been an ongoing problem in the city for decades. With a new administration comes an innovative approach.
Flanked by representatives from several city departments as well as the police and fire services, Mayor Dorinda Borer announced a new initiative to clean up the city and put those who refuse to keep their properties groomed on notice – financially if necessary. This is the lates attempt to stop problems with property owners and renters and make headway in the growing problem of illegal dumping.
With the slogan, “Fight the Blight,” Borer announced a multi-pronged attempt to get the city clean as well as a new approach to monitoring public spaces and private properties. The new program will utilize the resources of existing city departments, allocated funds, and a registration prerogative to get property owners and managers on board. This Blight Taskforce will coordinate between departments with state goals, and messaging procedures.
Borer announced the first area to get the full attention of the taskforce is the center business district. Businesses, homeowners, and renters will be alerted if properties need repairs or general cleanups, and the new taskforce officers will have authority to impose warnings or other sanctions to prod compliance.
A major component of the program is the registration of absentee landlords. Over the last two decades more city homes and properties have been bought by those seeking investment properties. Borer said the registration requirement will put a name and face to the person in charge.
“No longer will absentee owners be able to hide behind an LLC,” she said.
Registration must be made, and noncompliance carries a $500 fine.
The other major component of the program will be a system of monitors going out and reviewing properties with the authority to impose fines if necessary. Appeals will be heard by hearing officers, so a due process system is included in the new system.
“We are serious about cleaning our city,’ Borer said.
That seriousness will be seen in the types of businesses opening. Smoke shops and vape stores are currently under moratorium for any new openings. The mayor hopes to change the types of businesses coming into the city, and that includes limiting 24-hour stores, including convenience locations.
Another major initiative is installing cameras in areas where illegal dumping has been a recurring problem. Some areas have been determined, and installations will spot vehicles and persons doing the illegal dumping.
State funds that have come into the city have been used to increase the number of sweepers and other types of machinery to help collect and dispose of litter.
Once underway, Borer believes the West Haven resident will know the program is working.
“Success will be shown by what people see,” she said.
Fully implemented, the mayor hopes property owners will refresh their buildings and grounds, renters will be cognizant of their responsibilities toward their domiciles, and those who seek to dump refuse in out-of-the-way places will be caught and fined.
“We want a cleaner, healthier and safer city,” she said finally.