Moorestown Council Discusses Vacant Homes in the Township

One of the top things Moorestown Mayor Chris Chiacchio has been asked about recently is the status of vacant homes throughout the township.

“It’s an invitation for people, for kids to break in and then they get hurt,” Chiacchio said. “They pose a fire risk and they drag down property values.”

One such home stands on Church Street. At Monday night’s council meeting, resident William Hughes asked council if there’s anything the township can do about the home he says has been vacant for 20 years.

“I understand it takes time to do things, but 20 years is excessive,” Hughes said. “It’s overgrown and there are rats and cats in there. Something has to be done, and I want to know what is going to be done and when.”

“We’ve had the same problem in my neighborhood,” Chiacchio said. “Regrettably, there’s nothing we can do. Someone owns that property whether it’s a resident or the bank and we have to provide just compensation.”

Hughes said the township maintains that property only “sporadically,” and that neighbors have taken turns taking care of some of the upkeep.

Chicacchio said warrants could be issued to anyone who doesn’t maintain their property. He added the owner of the property on his street has a warrant out for his arrest.

According to Township Finance Director Thomas Merchel, if residents don’t pay their taxes, their property goes to a tax sale.

The township would then be able to obtain the home, fix it up and put it back on the market. A lienholder would also be able to obtain that property.

Merchel said he would check to see if any of the properties are in the possession of a lienholder.

On Aug. 15, Gov. Chris Christie signed into law legislation that would fine banks up to $2,500 a day for failure to maintain certain vacant properties, and require out-of-state creditors to designate an in-state representative.

Council discussed the issue during the workshop portion of Monday’s meeting. Chiacchio said the township would research the issue further and revisit it in the fall.