TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: James V. Capparelli, City Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Ordinance Declaring Certain Properties as Public Nuisances
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BACKGROUND:
The attached list of addresses represents properties that fall within the modified policy concerning public nuisances, in that all buildings are, by reason of lack of maintenance or adequate maintenance of the property, and/or being abandoned, vacant, boarded up, dilapidated or fire-damaged, any of which depreciates the enjoyment, aesthetic appearance and use of properties in the immediate vicinity or neighborhood to such an extent that is detrimental to the city at large. In all instances proper notification of a pending public nuisance declaration has been mailed to each property owner and they have failed to respond. If approved, this declaration of a public nuisance is a progressive step in seeking compliance which can lead to demolition. Upon a public nuisance declaration, demolition proceedings will be pursued, or in the alternative, executed agreements requiring the rehabilitation of the structures in compliance with the ordinances of the City of Joliet. The subject properties are as follows:
219 N. Hickory Street
This is a 2-story wood frame home with no garage. The property has been vacant since November 2019. An emergency water turn off was performed in December 2019 due to flooding from missing pipes. The home has large amounts of water damage. The City has had to service and board up the property, and the Police Department has dealt with numerous vagrants at the property.
809 John Street
This is a 2-story wood frame single family home with a detached garage. The property has been vacant since 2015. The City has had to maintain the property resulting in over $5,000 in outstanding fines and fees. The property is a problem to the entire neighborhood, as it attracts trespassers and possibly squatters.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council declare the attached list of properties public nuisances and authorize application to the Circuit Court for injunctive relief through code compliance or demolition.
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