MOUNT VERNON ZOMBIE TASK FORCE MEETING 2

Phase II of Mount Vernon Zombie Initiative

TUESDAY, October 9, 2018: (New York) Today, the Mount Vernon Zombie Task Force, comprised of the City’s Building, Planning, Assessor, Fire, Police, Water, Public Works, and Law Departments, was awarded Phase II of the prestigious LISC Grant to continue implementing the Mount Vernon Zombie Initiative. The Task Force is assembling data and seeking community input to crowd source information on abandoned Zombie Properties so it can target them for enhanced enforcement. Residents can share information by email or telephone.

The Task Force has already tackled the bank-owned property at 19 South Terrace Avenue and is using Building Blocks software with internet resources to obtain data on LLC-owned properties. This software is also being used to locate possible seniors who need help. The next step is for the group to complete a survey on how to deal with squatters, chase down delinquent owners, and to empower neighbors to protect their quality of life.

If successful, the proposed 2019 City Budget will add more fire power behind the effort to beautify and transform our City for good. Today the group is leveraging the NYS “Zombie Properties” law https://www.dfs.ny.gov/banking/zombie_prop_legislation.htm which obligates zombie property owners to mitigate the negative impact that vacant properties have on local communities. Mount Vernon building inspectors are visiting these dilapidated properties and putting the owners on notice by issuing violations. From loose boarded up windows to overgrown weeds, we will address maintenance issues.

Do your part to help via email zombiehomecoordinator@mvzht.com or call 914–840–4037. To see the meeting agenda, click here http://cmvny.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ZombieAgenda2.pdf.

To see the previous task force meeting held on September 11, click here https://www.facebook.com/MayorRichardThomas/videos/223429715193270