State Rep.
Theresa Conroy, D-Seymour, is hoping to battle blight on two fronts – the state and local levels.
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| Conroy |
“Blight
drags down the property values of entire neighborhoods,” Conroy
said.
“Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties.”
“Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their properties.”
Conroy backed legislation (HB 6235) approved Wednesday by the
state House of Representatives, that would make it easier for towns to
fine absentee
property owners who don’t maintain their properties.
The bill would
also create a 15-member task force to study procedural problems in
addressing blight at the municipal level.
The task force would draft
model municipal blight ordinances and propose legislation
to help municipalities address blight more effectively.
The bill awaits action by the state Senate.
In addition to representing the 105th District, Conroy is a member of the Seymour Board of
Selectmen where she is working with board
members and members of the Ordinance Committee on an updated blight
ordinance.
The new ordinance would allow the town to fine the owners of
blighted properties up to $100/day if they do not promptly address a
violation.
“There
are rundown buildings and properties in town that are potentially
dangerous,” Conroy said. “It’s one thing if a homeowner has fallen
on hard times
and can’t make repairs to their home; it is another when an
unscrupulous out-of-town property owner leaves a building to rot. We
need the tools and flexibility to help our neighbors care for their
properties and target the bad property owners who drag down
our property values.”
This post is taken from a press release from Conroy's office.
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