Mayor Thomas Provides Public Testimony on Code Enforcement Challenges in Mount Vernon and Across New York State
“The challenge Mount Vernon faces on code enforcement is both common and uncommon. On one level we do not have enough resources to attack all the problems we desire to address. On another, we know that these code enforcement roles pay for themselves. We know that Zombie properties suck the value out of property and kill quality of life. They invite rats, rodents, mosquitoes, and tease innocent curious children to venture into these dangerous shells of buildings, threatening their life and the lives of the emergency responders. We need another tool to compel bad actors to act in good faith. For now, on behalf of people of the City of Mount Vernon, we thank the New York State Senate for considering our feedback and look forward to discussing new ideas and new approaches to solving legacy problems to make healthier, happier homes in our beloved community and across New York.” — Mayor Richard Thomas
On Thursday, May 23, Mayor Richard Thomas provided testimony on current housing code enforcement conditions in the City of Mount Vernon at a New York State Senate Public Hearing before the Standing Committee on Investigations and Government Operations chaired by NYS Senator James Skoufis. The purpose of this public hearing was to gather public testimony from all relevant stakeholders in order to gain legislative insight, so the investigation committee can advance legislation that can help municipalities across New York State address blight in their communities. Mayor Thomas was accompanied by Fire Commissioner Teddy Beale and Planning Commissioner Chantelle Okarter.
Mayor Thomas presented a strong case for equipping municipalities with stronger tools to exact accountability on bad actors who neglect their properties by advocating for more resources and innovation. “Perhaps the New York State Senate should consider exploring measures requiring insurance companies to set aside payments for the demolition and transformation of burnt out, abandoned buildings into green space until the parcel is either re-built or turned over for another use? Or, maybe the Senate could review developing an electronic database to compliment the Tolemi software, Building Blocks, that helps neighborhoods communicate better with local officials about safety conditions of zombie properties?”, stated Mayor Thomas.
Commissioner Beale testified that almost 44% of Mount Vernon properties have reported a fire incident. Committee member and NYS Senator Alessandra Biaggi asked Mayor Thomas what is needed to address such a high percent of fire incidents. Mayor Thomas stated that the problem is inadequate funding for code enforcement. In Mount Vernon, this is self-inflicted by City Council deliberately un-funding government operations. For example, there is one building inspector for 80,000 people and one slot for a plumbing inspector. Commissioner Okarter also responded by asking Senator Biaggi to allocate funding from NYS to help the City.
Mayor Thomas also stated that the City has taken steps to generate revenue to address code enforcement and remove blight. Mount Vernon has taken advantage of state laws passed to penalize property owners, particularly banks, for neglecting their obligations to maintain and keep their properties in good appearance and standing. To date, the City has penalized 44 properties with state and local fines amounting to $1,500 per day since January 15, 2019. This amounts to approximately $8.5 million owed. In the event we are unable to collect the monies due and owing, the City will take the next step to convert the parcels to city-owned properties with the goal of auctioning them off to middle class people who desire to purchase their first home.
Since 2016, Mayor Thomas has prioritized housing policies that are focused on removing blight to help improve the overall quality of life and increase property values in Mount Vernon. In 2017, he launched the Mayor’s Healthy Homes Initiative to provide a policy vision on how the city could deal with zombie properties and address housing code violations to help residents living in rental properties. In May, the Mount Vernon RISE (Report, Inspect, Service, Enhance) quality of life campaign was launched to engage Mount Vernon residents to encourage them to report unsafe conditions in their home, building and surrounding neighborhood. Residents can complete the survey and upload photos at cmvny.com/citiesrise.
