Two recent op-eds in local newspapers address the issue of blight though coming from differing angles. The Times News piece, uses a problem property for the past 30 years as an impetus to call forREAD MORE
Uncooperative Judge – Share This Perspective
In a November 2022 blog post we discussed that though property owners have rights that must be protected, the rights of the neighbors to be protected from the negative consequences of vacant or blighted propertiesREAD MORE
When a $7,000 Registration Fee isn’t Enough
A recent article discusses possible changes in Minneapolis to their VBR program and its fee. One primary change would be moving the annual $7,087 fee to a monthly fee. “…inspection citations would start at $250READ MORE
H.B. 859 Denying Permits to LLCs
A well intentioned bill may have some loopholes. Hopefully they will be addressed properly prior to enactment. Definitely a step in the right direction. In a recent article discussing the subject Bill, there were someREAD MORE
Vacant Property Surveys – Why it’s shouldn’t be the only answer
At the risk of stating the obvious, data is extremely valuable. However as we all know some data is more valuable than others. Many communities that struggle with vacant properties conduct “windshield surveys” or actualREAD MORE
So which one is it?
A recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution discusses the intent of the City to broadcast on the city’s public TV channel the board meetings where property demolitions are discussed. Though the article mentions the motivations behindREAD MORE
Avoiding a “Perverse Incentive” – It’s more than just $$$
Recent reporting in Florida discussed “aggressive code enforcement” by a 3rd party. Revenue is always a major need and focus. However, similar to charging excessive fees and aggressive pursuit of penalties for vacant property registriesREAD MORE
Who’s Complaining? – Anonymous Reporting of Blight Violations
The recent headline “Cato Township blight complaint reveals problems with the process” had us believing that perhaps they were seeking a solution to long standing issues, such as where are notices being sent (https://www.munireg.com/still-on-the-hamster-wheel) orREAD MORE
WSJ “Politicians Are Using ‘Blight’ to Bulldoze Neighborhoods and Seize Property”
A recent video report from the Wall Street Journal focuses on the utilization of eminent domain for economic development. Though it does touch on important sub-topics that should be addressed (assuring transparency, lack of uniformREAD MORE
Lessons to learn! Vlog Series Volume 2: Episode 1
In our next installment of our Vlog series, Michael Halpern, president and founder of MuniReg LLC discusses a recent situation generating negative headlines (“Homeowner faces city fines after suspected DWI driver damages house”) and optics.READ MORE
Neighbors of Blighted Properties Have Same Rights as Owners of the Blighted Properties
John Newby is the author of the “Building Main Street, Not Wall Street” column “dedicated to helping communities combine synergies with local media companies allowing them to not just survive but to thrive.” In aREAD MORE
“Getting ahead of (and avoiding ) bad press” VLOG Series Volume 1: Episode 4
In our next installment of our Vlog series, Michael Halpern, president and founder of MuniReg LLC discusses an article in Municipal World on a recent public relations crisis in Los Angeles County LA. Though notREAD MORE