3/12/13 - The Howell City Council is still trying to decide how to regulate blight and uncompleted construction projects within city limits. The city began talking in earnest about the issue about five months ago based on citizen complaints about blighted homes and unfinished projects. A blight and property maintenance ordinance was created by city staff, including Interim Planning and Zoning Administrator Erin Perdu, after looking at how blight is managed by communities such as Brighton, Lapeer, and Lansing. The new ordinance focuses on external problems such as overgrown vegetation, loose or missing components of houses, roofing, water flow, and unfinished construction. It was presented to the council last night for suggestions on language changes. Perdu says the council was accepting of much of the ordinance, with some concerns about portions involving performance bonds and specific language. Some council members were also concerned about citizens abusing the ordinance to try and bring enforcement action against other citizens for minor infractions. Perdu tells WHMI trying to manage blight means walking a thin line between eliminating a public nuisance and infringing on the rights of property owners. The ordinance will be revised and brought back before the council at their first meeting next month. Perdu says the intention is to have it ready to pass at that meeting. (TD)
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