Selectboard hears options for tackling 'blighted' property

Selectboard members on Monday heard options on how to deal with so-called blighted property in Springfield — one of the main goals of the town's ordinance committee.

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Selectboard hears options for tackling 'blighted' property By Allan Stein allans@eagletimes.com SPRINGFIELD — Selectboard members on Monday heard options on how to deal with so-called blighted property in Springfield — one of the main goals of the town's ordinance committee. The Springfield Ordinance Committee, comprised of selectboard members George McNaughton and Walter Martone, is considering an ordinance that would prohibit blighted property within school zones. Garrett Baxter, senior staff attorney for the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, gave a presentation on blight reduction practices, laws, town charter amendments and processes to address the issue of property that threatens public health and safety. "I am not here to tell you what to do. I am here to lay out the legal tools," said Baxter. Baxter first described the purpose of emergency health orders. They are administered solely by the town health agent when a building has been declared an immediate public health and safety hazard. A non-emergency health order can be issued by the selectboard to prevent or remove a structure that is deemed a public health and safety hazard. This enforcement tool requires the issuance of a notice of intent to the property owner and it carries the right of appeal to the state Board of Health. Baxter said a proposed Distressed Building Bill currently under House committee review would enable Vermont communities to "decide what to do with commercial buildings that are open to the elements for six months." The bill would apply only to distressed building facades in municipal downtowns and village centers, he said. He said town officials also have the option of creating zoning regulations with specific provisions to address blighted property. Miscellaneous regulatory powers would enable the creation of model ordinances dealing with dangerous or vacant buildings. "It would be imposing on propertery owners the obligation of protectding their own investments," said Baxter. Baxter described other options to limit the existence of blighted property, such as Tax Increment Finance [TIF] districts. These are used to generate tax revenues and stimulate economic development within designated TIF districts. The town also has the option of amending its charter to address blighted property or to authorize the selectboard to create an urban renewal plan linking existing zoning regulations. "I like the urban renewal plan because the selectboard can do it themselves," said McNaughton.