Upland Tables Vacant Building Fine — Upland Boro, tonight, June 11 tabled a series of ordinances that would have fined owners of vacant properties after resident and landlord Jim Criswell explained the law would also be applied to responsible property owners.
Criswell owns 10 rental properties in Upland two of which are vacant but undergoing renovations. He noted that the the fee schedule would mean he would be hit $500 fines for each building neither of which is blighted. Obviously, a building under repair cannot be occupied.
He pointed out the law also applies to new home buyers who want to renovate before moving in.
Council President Christine Peterson said the law was aimed at 10 blighted homes in the borough including two on Main Street. She said Criswell made good points, though, and agreed to postpone a vote for the ordinances to be reviewed.
Joy Schwartz of Upper Darby addressed the board as a former Delaware County Council candidate and pointed out that the county has created a “land bank” that gives it first dibs on any property it deems blighted.
Such a policy could give a rogue government a powerful tool for social engineering.
It had been noted earlier by the board that Pennsylvania’s state government is also pushing municipalities to take over properties it deems blighted.
One wonders why code enforcement and sheriff sales can’t address the problem.
Obviously a push o claim these properties through whatever means.
Yep. Leftists don’t believe in private property.
That’s progressive!