MEASURE ADDRESSES ABANDONED PROPERTY BLIGHT

Sen. Nate Libby of Lewiston

Municipalities given tools and recourse when dealing with derelict properties

AUGUSTA –A measure that would enable local municipalities to address blighted, abandoned properties in their community received strong support during a public hearing in the state’s Judiciary Committee this week.

“Because of abandoned properties in my hometown, we are faced with blight, public safety hazards, theft, vandalism, and demolition costs at the taxpayers expense,” said Democratic State Senator Nate Libby of Lewiston. “Of course, these problems are not unique to my community. The inability to transition abandoned properties back into the hands of redevelopers, hamstrings a municipality’s ability to deal with the determinantal effects of abandoned property.”

According to Sen. Libby, over the last four years, taxpayers in Lewiston have spent close to $1.5 million demolishing 58 derelict buildings left vacant by their former owners and the financial institutions holding the mortgages.

The measure, LD 1203 “An Act To Address the Detrimental Effects of Abandoned Property,” has four components allowing municipalities to adopt ordinances that will:

1. Require banks to notify municipality of a property foreclosure;

2. Require banks to name an in-state representative responsible for the care, maintenance, and security of the property;

3. Allow a municipality to adopt standards for the care, maintenance, and security of abandoned property and hold parties to the property responsible for these standards;

4. Create a fine structure for parties to the property who fail to comply with the municipality’s  determination of abandonment and subsequent care.

Once a property has been abandoned, the condemnation process can last 18-24 months; meanwhile dilapidation of these properties almost always includes the same course of events: the pipes freeze; vandals have stripped the boiler and the electrical system of every ounce of copper; and water leaks lead to roof, foundation, and mold damage.

Senator Libby added, “There are several of local developers with a track record of returning older, dilapidated buildings back into service, but they are unwilling to navigate a maze of uncertainty when the mortgage holder is unresponsive and based out of state. This inaction leads to properties sitting vacant, unsecured, and uncared for unless the city voluntarily assumes some responsibility for their care at no small cost.”

The Lewiston City Manager, Bangor City Solicitor, Maine Municipal Association, and the Mayor’s Coalition all spoke in favor of the measure. The city managers from Waterville, Augusta, and Biddeford all provided written support for the bill.

The Judiciary Committee will hold a work session on the measure on Monday, April 27 at 1p.m.