UNANIMOUS COMMITTEE SUPPORT FOR MEASURE ADDRESSING ABANDONED PROPERTY BLIGHT

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 came out of  the state’s Judiciary Committee  with a unanimous vote to support the bill.

Sen. Nate Libby of Lewiston

“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, amended in committee, requires banks to notify a municipality of a property foreclosure and notify the location of the property to the municipality and designate an in-state representative responsible for addressing issues with the property.  Additionally, the municipality is allowed to provide the care, maintenance, and security of the property and recoup the cost of doing so through a supplemental tax on the property.

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.”

During the public hearing, 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 measure will now go before the Senate for consideration.