By David Fleet
Editor
Atlas Twp.- The cost to maintain abandoned and foreclosed homes in the township soared in 2008, according to a report issued to the board trustees.
Matt Hart, township ordinance enforcement officer, said the number of reports has grown from only a few in 2007 to costing the owners of property in violation of the blight ordinance $8,635 in 2008.
The report was presented at the Nov.10 township meeting.
‘More residents are calling in with complaints this year than ever before,? said Hart, who has worked for the township for more than 13 years. ‘I give the property owners seven days to respond to the complaint or post the property if no one is living at the residence. If they do not respond, then we take action.?
Often, if the property is for sale, the real estate company takes care of the mowing, said Hart. Sometimes, if the bank has the property, they take care of the issue, too.
‘The township covers the cost of the cleanup or mowing, then the money is collected on the taxes. The citizens of the township are ultimately reimbursed for the costs of upkeep.?
Hart said occupied homes with grass (or weeds) more than six inches high or unoccupied homes with grass more than 12 inches are in violation of the ordnance.