We recently got our code department back up to 2 full time staff and, assuming we can make the budget work for next year, the goal being discussed now is to add a third code officer, which is a significant increase in our enforcement capacity. We also recently moved code enforcement under the supervision of our police department to enhance coordination and metrics tracking. <div>
<br></div><div>Without speaking for others, I think the general feeling of the council has been that we need to step up code enforcement to handle a variety of issues -- graffiti, aging apartments, commercial properties, and - as you observe - what will be an increasing problem of vacant properties. </div>
<div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>There is also an assistance program which the town will be able to connect residents with. It is called HOPE - "Homeowners Preserving Equity" -<a href="http://www.mdhope.org">www.mdhope.org</a> / 877-462-7555. It provides free nonprofit counseling to residents to connect with financial assistance that can help residents prevent homes from going into foreclosure. Prince George's County and Baltimore City are experiencing the highest rates of foreclosure in the state. I'm going to be keeping my eye out for other resources that may be available. </div>
<div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>- Alice</div><div><br class="webkit-block-placeholder"></div><div>Alice Ewen Walker</div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Sat, May 31, 2008 at 11:51 AM, David Michailof <<a href="mailto:drmsparks@yahoo.com">drmsparks@yahoo.com</a>> wrote:<br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex;">General question.<br>
<br>
I've begun to notice walkaways/foreclosures springing<br>
up in the town.<br>
<br>
Does the town have a plan to deal with the absent<br>
maintenance (lawns especially)?<br>
<br>
Before too long we will be having an upswing in rats<br>
and other undesirable wildlife if this problem in not<br>
dealt with quickly.<br>
<br>
Thanks,<br>
<br>
Dave<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br><br clear="all"><br>-- <br>Alice Ewen Walker<br>Councilwoman, Ward 1<br>Town of Riverdale Park
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