Foreclosed Windsor Properties Causing Blight Issues

Town staff will recommend members of the Windsor town council approve a measure to crack down on blight in town Monday night.

According to town documents, the town’s blight ordinance fails to adequately address issues the issues of the current housing climate, namely foreclosed or abandoned properties with mortgages owned by out-of-state banks.

In such cases, the town is often left with its hands tied, town documents say, but a revision to the town’s property maintenance ordinance could change that.

Town staff will recommend council members approve an ordinance revision allowing the town to place a lien on foreclosed or abandoned properties creating blight problems. Under the proposed revision, the town will gain access to properties in violation, will complete work on the properties to bring them in line with “neighborhood and community standards,” and the lien will enable the town to recoup associated expenses.

According to town documents, complaints about blighted properties are received throughout the year, and complaints include “tall grass, litter, debris, garbage, bulk storage and pickup, dead trees, brush piles, leaves, and fences.

The town council is scheduled to meet Mon., March 18 at 7:15 p.m. for a public hearing on $1 million of road work across town. The council’s regular meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.