New Haven has completed its first successful foreclosure action under the city’s anti-blight ordinance and plans to sell the property to a responsible owner after following land disposal procedures.
According to city officials, the home at 129 Clay Street has been an eyesore since it became vacant in 2003.
“The level of blight experienced at 129 Clay Street was unacceptable to the neighborhood and to the City," Mayor John DeStefano Jr. said. "Foreclosure is not something the City takes lightly, but when an irresponsible owner refuses to maintain a property it has a damaging affect on the whole neighborhood. Fortunately, the City now has the ability to assure that this uninhabitable safety hazard and eyesore can be transferred to a responsible owner, and this property can once again become a safe and affordable home for a New Haven family,”
The Anti-Blight Ordinance, passed in 2009, allows the city to fine non-responsive property owners up to $100 per day. The blight fines and maintenance fees for the Clay Street property exceeded $61,000, according to town officials.
It also allows the city to perform necessary maintenance work, bill the property owner, and place a lien on the property.
Prior to 2009, New Haven was able to fine owners for building code violations, but had limited remedies in cases of serious blight.
Mayor John DeStefano and other city officials will discuss the use of the ordinance at a news conference on Monday.
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The city is also working on foreclosure action against 272 Davenport Ave., 55 Dickerman St., and 38 Wilson St.
