[Adopted 1-3-2012]
A.
The City of Union City contains a number of vacant buildings that
have been abandoned by their owners, and that are in a state of disrepair
and neglect; and
B.
These buildings, by virtue of their condition and their proximity
to other buildings, are diminishing the value of neighboring properties
and have a negative effect on the quality of life of adjacent residents
and property owners, increasing the risk of property damage through
arson and vandalism and discouraging neighborhood stability and revitalization;
and
C.
Many of these buildings, or the land on which they are situated,
can be used for productive purposes, which will further the revitalization
of the City of Union City and improve its economic and social condition;
and
D.
The City of Union City desires to use the powers granted local governments
under the laws of the State of New Jersey to address the conditions
created by these buildings, and further their reuse for productive
purposes; and
E.
By creating an abandoned property list, as set forth in the Abandoned
Properties Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-55) as amended by Section
28 of P.L. 2003, c. 210, the City will better be able to address the
conditions created by these buildings and further their reuse for
productive purposes.
The Housing and Health Inspector is hereby designated as the
public officer for the purpose of carrying out the responsibilities
established by this article and shall have all the responsibilities
and powers provided by law.
The Housing and Health Inspector is hereby directed to identify
abandoned properties within the City, place said properties on an
abandoned property list established as provided in the Abandoned Properties
Rehabilitation Act (N.J.S.A. 55:19-55), as amended by Section 28 of
P.L. 2003, c. 210, and provide such notices and carry out such other
tasks as are required to effectuate an abandoned property list as
provided by law. The abandoned property list shall apply to the City
of Union City as a whole.
The Housing and Health Inspector shall exercise the authority
granted the municipality pursuant to N.J.S.A. 55:19-90 to designate
qualified rehabilitation entities to act as the designee of the municipality
with respect to the provisions of that section.
The Housing and Health Inspector shall provide a report to the
Mayor and Board of Commissioners every six months, with respect to
the number and location of properties on the abandoned property list,
the status of those properties, and any actions taken by the municipality
or by any qualified rehabilitation entity designated pursuant to the
authority granted the Housing and Health Inspector with respect to
any property on the list or any other abandoned property within the
City of Union City.
