Coons' Plan Targets "Eyesores and Drug Havens"

New Castle, DE - New Castle County Executive Christopher A. Coons today is releasing details of his plan to reduce the blight of vacant, abandoned and neglected properties throughout the county. As part of his plan, Coons is working with state Sen. David Sokola and Rep. William Oberle on legislation to strengthen the County's ability to enforce New Castle County Code.
New Castle, DE - New Castle County Executive Christopher A. Coons today is releasing details of his plan to reduce the blight of vacant, abandoned and neglected properties throughout the county. Coons' Problem Properties Task Force, which he first announced in his March 29 budget address, will require owners of abandoned and neglected properties to clean them up or transfer them to someone who will.

"The properties we are targeting have been pockmarks on the surround ing neighborhoods for years and years, and many have been taken over by drug dealers and other criminals," Coons said. "With determination and commitment, we can eliminate these eyesores and drug havens from our neighborhoods, increase neighborhood property values and restore the sense of community New Castle County residents deserve."

Chief of Staff Richard T. Przywara, who also is acting manager of the Department of Special Services, will present details of Coons' plan during County Council's Community Services Committee meeting at 4:30 p.m. today at the City/County Building. Coons' plan calls for New Castle County to commit $414,000 to the Problem Properties Task Force. Coons' proposed budget is subject a vote by Council, which is scheduled for May 24.

In some cases, when a property owner cannot be found or no longer wishes to deal with the property, the task force will work with the owner to transfer the property to a nonprofit organization such as Habitat for Hum anity, Interfaith Housing, Cornerstone West and others. The properties can then be rehabilitated into affordable housing for people who need homes and will care for them properly.

Coons' leadership team already has identified 25 high-priority properties and is focusing on bringing those into compliance or having them demolished. The County's Department of Special Services has sent final notices to the owners of the 25 properties, informing them that New Castle County has identified them as problem properties and is targeting them for clean-up or repossession. In response to those letters and previous work by the county, three property owners already have begun rehabilitating their properties, and one has demolished his neglected building.

As part of his plan, Coons is working with state Sen. David Sokola and Rep. William Oberle on legislation to strengthen the County's ability to enforce New Castle County Code. The proposed legislation will increase fines, update building codes, giv e New Castle County the power to impose liens on property to recoup public funds spent to maintain neglected properties, and help the overall powers of code enforcement in dealing with problem properties.

"For years we have been lacking an effective tool to deal with abandoned residential properties," Rep. Oberle said. "Unfortunately, those who maintain their homes, pay their taxes and otherwise behave in a responsible manner are left to the mercy of those who do not. This initiative will be warmly received by those in New Castle County who have found themselves negatively impacted simply by being situated near a neglected property."

Sen. Sokola also offered his support for Coons' initiative.

"Abandoned and neglected properties can be a serious problem for any community," Sen. Sokola said. "I look forward to working on this issue with the County Executive and Rep. Oberle to make our neighborhoods a better place to live."