Greenburgh Town Board to consider law that will enable town to remove blighted conditions quicker

Town Board to consider law that will enable town to remove blighted conditions
At our last Greenburgh Town Board work session Liz Gerrity, Deputy Building Inspector, discussed a proposed law that I think is needed-dealing with property maintenance. The link to the discussion can be found here: This was the 2nd topic discussed
greenburghny.new.swagit.com/videos/392868
The purpose of the law is to provide the Town with a clear and consistent process for addressing blighting conditions that negatively impact neighborhoods, property values, public safety, and the overall quality of life within the Town.

Over the past several years, the Town has experienced an increasing number of complaints involving vacant and abandoned homes, overgrown properties, accumulation of debris and rubbish, junk vehicles, unsafe exterior conditions, and other nuisance conditions. While portions of these issues are addressed through existing provisions of the New York State Property Maintenance Code and Town Code, the proposed local law establishes a comprehensive local enforcement and abatement procedure.

The addition of Chapter 236 defines nuisance conditions including excessive overgrown vegetation, debris, garbage, rubbish, junk vehicles, and other conditions that threaten public health, safety, and welfare. It creates a formal notice and compliance process allowing property owners the opportunity to correct violations before further action is taken. Most importantly it provides a mechanism whereby the Town Board, following a public hearing, is authorized to determine that a public nuisance condition exists and, when necessary, authorize the Town to remove condition.

Chapter 236 also provides for recovery of all costs incurred by the Town, including labor, equipment, contractor services, administrative expenses, and legal costs, from the responsible property owner.

The proposed law is intended to provide a tool to address properties that have become a source of neighborhood blight or pose a danger to the public while ensuring due process protections for property owners through notice and hearing requirements.

The Town Board members and I all agree that this proposed law is needed. We plan to schedule a public hearing in August and should enact the legislation in early fall. Very pleased. A timely proposal. Some residents have complained about the speedway gas station on Central Ave that was closed. We issued a violation to the owner but they have 30 days to correct the problem. Hopeful this proposed law, once enacted, will provide the town with the ability to address quality of life concerns quicker.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor