Map of cited properties in Springfield

Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A working group has been examining what can be done about neglected properties in Springfield. Corporation Counsel Greg Moredock presented a working group summary at Tuesday’s City Council Committee of the Whole meeting. He said the group identified ways the city can be more transparent about properties that are on the vacant, cited and demolition list in addition to focusing on the city’s responsibility and increasing enforcement efforts. Out-of-state landlords, solid waste issues, and grass and weed violations were areas the group zeroed in on.

Requiring a local manager for properties with out-of-state owners was a recommendation. An owner would be required to have someone available locally as a point-of-contact and available to help with property inspections. Ward 3 Alderman Roy Williams said the information on unkept properties is great, but asked what can be done with abandoned properties where the owner has died. He pointed to at least 10 properties in his ward that have been vacant for years.

For residents who do not have solid waste service, the owner can be fined, and the city can ultimately sign an individual up for service. The cost is added to the utility bill, according to Moredock. Ward 5 Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase, who is a landlord, said she requires her tenants to sign up for waste service, but sometimes tenants have been known to drop the service after a period of time.

Lastly, the group discussed what can be done with overgrown properties with weed and grass violations. Ward 10 Alderman Ralph Hanauer said a loophole some property owners are using is to say they plan on making bales out of the long grass. According to Director of Public Works Dave Fuchs, the city employs 35 lawn care companies to assist them in mowing at neglected properties. He added some of the companies are hesitant to work on lawns that have been long neglected because it can damage their equipment.

The city is working on increasing fines on chronic nuisance properties, according to Moredock. They are stepping up enforcement efforts with non-criminal cases. He added the police department has long been involved in criminal cases involved nuisance properties.

A map of cited properties is currently available, although a couple aldermen mentioned there are problem properties in their wards that do not appear on the list.