Label
Council Members Ujvagi and Harper
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to implement a Better Board Up Program through the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development, for securing vacant structures and preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, even pending demolitions; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
The goal of this program is to preserve the structural integrity of the housing stock and commercial buildings within the city, and to secure them in a manner which is appropriate pending rehabilitation or pending demolition. One vacated house or storefront can have a debilitating effect on our vulnerable neighborhoods, and will show signs to distress on even the strongest communities. This program would allow for the securing of the structures to be done in a manner that does not attract nuisance or criminal activity, such as graffiti, but rather, would appear as though the structure is maintained and cared for. The emphasis of this program is to combat illicit activity in our neighborhoods, and to restore the vitality of our community.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That the Mayor is authorized and directed to implement a Better Board Up Program with the following objectives and criteria:
A. When a vacant home or building has been assessed as a potential rehab property, it is to be secured by means of boarding in one of these three manners; 1. Using a sanded hardwood board, such as oak or pine or a similar material, painted with color blocking paint which closely matches the tone of the structure, 2. Using the same hardwood board, painted with template or stencil design, such as a window, 3. Using the same hardwood board, with a screen print or vinyl wrap placed on the board.
B. When a vacant home or building has been assessed as a demolition candidate, but has not been scheduled for physical removal for a time period in excess of 3 months, the hardwood boards used to secure the structure will be required to have a stencil and paint applied to them.
C. The Department of Neighborhood & Business Development shall determine those homes and buildings which warrant the use of the Better Board Up Program, acknowledging that the securing of the structures will be done in a manner which does not attract nuisance or criminal activity, shall preserve the integrity of the structure for potential rehabilitation, and shall be a source for safety.
SECTION 2. That the intended funding for this beta model for a Better Board Up Program shall be used from the fire escrow deposits which may be returned appropriately to the city, continuing the original intent of utilizing those funds to clean up and secure vacant homes and structures.
SECTION 3. That this Ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall be in force and effect from and after its passage. The reason for the emergency lies in the fact that the same is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety and property, and for the further reason that the Ordinance must be immediately effective in order to begin the Better Board Up Program.
Vote on emergency clause: yeas 12, nays 0.
Passed: September 3, 2019, as an emergency measure: yeas 12, nays 0.
Attest:
Gerald E. Dendinger Matt Cherry
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: September 3, 2019
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor