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The recent revelation that there are nearly 500 vacant and
abandoned houses in many parts of Grand Rapids is evidence that
our city administration has misplaced priorities related to housing in our
neighborhoods and the role that residents can effectively play in
partnering with the City.
The City Housing Department has become overwhelmed, and
forced to re-evaluate their process of dealing with vacant and abandoned
houses after exposure and pressure from the Grand Rapids Press.
It has been clear to me and my neighbors that the City is lax
in its process of vigorously pursuing the repair of many properties in our
area and in many other Grand Rapids neighborhoods. It is also clear
to us that the City doesn't recognize the importance of a partnership role
some neighborhood residents presently play in helping to control housing
problems, and the potential for expanding that partnership.
First, the housing code enforcement system needs to be
analyzed to find out why it has been failing and what needs to be done to
make it effective again. It appears that this first step may be
happening now.
Second, the City should redesign how they relate to
neighborhood residents. Residents should be recognized more as
potential supportive partners with the City. The City should encourage more
neighbors to take some responsibility for homes on their block that are
vacant and have been abandoned. With the City's encouragement and
support, more neighbors could do some maintenance of the yards and
report any threats to the security of the property. Residents who are
willing to help in this way should be offered some legal protection and
financial reimbursement for minor yard maintenance and cosmetic exterior
repairs done while the City is pursuing a more permanent solution. Absent
property owners who can be found, should be made to fulfill their ownership
responsibilities.
Some assertive neighbors on my block and one near me
have done these things, with very positive results. The
frustrating part for the neighbors is that it too often takes several years
for the City to get control of the property or force the owner to be
responsible.
When the City Housing Code Enforcement Department (456-3053)
fulfills their responsibility in a timely manner and neighbors partner with
the City, other residents are encouraged to maintain their
property. Potential home owners and investors view a vacant
house that is watched by neighbors and not vandalized as one that is worth
investing in and the block as one worth living on.
We must demand that our city government do its job well. We must be
involved in our government and in our neighborhoods to achieve a better
community.
An e-mail response opportunity is below
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