jersey city abandoned properties presentation

Darice Toon, DirectorDivision of Community Development

30 Montgomery Street, Suite 404Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

About 850 vacant properties in Jersey City Properties are monitored on an on-going basis by Code

Enforcement. Comprehensive files are maintained on all vacant

properties. Properties are scattered throughout the City Highest concentrations are in lower income sections

of the City.

Created a Vacant Building Registration Fee Ordinance

which took effect on October 15, 2011.1. Property owners must pay a $250.00 fee initially

and $500.00 subsequently.2. Enables the City to obtain relevant information

about property owners.3. Allows the City to issue summonses to owners who

fail to register their property.4. Compels owners to maintain their property.5. Helps to generate revenue to cover some costs

associated with monitoring vacant properties.

Great Vacant Building Count Collaborative effort between City

agencies, community groups, block associations and grassroots organizations.

Inter-departmental cooperation between Community Development, Code Enforcement, Law Department, Mayor’s Office and Fire Department.

Focus: Utilize the expertise of Key City Stakeholders. Maximize the use of APRA tools.

Contracted with an attorney who specializes in condemnations.

Contracted with an appraisal company and title search company.

Dedicated funds for acquisition, rehabilitation and demolition of vacant/abandoned properties.

Comprised of: Municipal agencies and

divisions Ex: Police, Fire, Code

Enforcement, Community Development, Public Works, Resident Response Center, Incinerator Authority, Health & Human Services

Private organizations Ex: PSE&G and United Water

Focus: Secures properties and maintains quality of life for residents.

Collected $367,000 in vacant building registration fees to date.

Closed 397 vacant building cases since December 2011 due to demolitions, rehabilitation and re-occupancy.

Reduced the number of abandoned properties on the City’s published list from 56 to 36 properties due to aggressive Code Enforcement efforts.

Tagged 259 properties with Jersey City Fire Department placards.

Attended Court on 174 vacant building cases this year alone.

Aggressive and consistent code enforcement.

Issuing summonses and violation notices for inspections.

Consistent re-issuance of notices if violations are unabated.

Posting red placards on properties to identify the condition.

Educating the Municipal Court about the City’s Vacant Buildings Ordinance and obtaining cooperation from the legal system.

Maintaining a good database with current owner contact information.

Making use of the Creditor Responsibility Act to issue notices of violations to banks.

Using a coordinated approach for tracking vacant /abandoned properties. (Quality of Life Task Force)

Systematically assessing the City’s Vacant Buildings Inventory (Code Enforcement and Fire Dept).

Requiring better board-ups of properties, especially bank owned properties.

Housing Court – The same judge hears about 95% of the cases involving vacant building issues.

HCDNNJ – Assisted with:1. Providing sample legislation.2. Providing guidance on the use of APRA tools.3. Providing information on best practices in

other communities.4. Serving as a resource for information related

to vacant property matters.5. Facilitating municipal collaborations.6. Preparing legislation to help facilitate

vacant/abandoned property initiatives.

Jersey City is a desirable location where people are interested in living and investing.

We have stable communities throughout the City.

Vacant properties depress values and de-stabilize communities.

Important to maintain the overall economic and social well-being of your community.

Increase ratables and maintain stable and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods.

In order to get results, it is important that you: Collaborate with other key stakeholders.

(Courts, Police Dept., Code Enforcement, etc.)

Be consistent and diligent when dealing with property owners.

Persistently monitor the inventory of properties.

Make use of tools available through APRA and other legislation.

Take advantage of available resources, such as the HCDNNJ and CCP.